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Category: Skin Cancer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Protecting Your Skin Starts Now

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May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder to prioritize the health of your skin as we head into the sunniest season of the year. With warmer days drawing us outdoors, it’s also the perfect opportunity to learn about prevention, early detection, and the importance of daily sun protection.

 

What Is Melanoma Monday?

One of the most impactful initiatives this month is the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual Melanoma Monday, observed on the first Monday in May—falling on May 4 in 2026. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Many people show support by wearing black, symbolizing solidarity and remembrance, while also sparking conversations about prevention and early detection.

 

Understanding Your Risk

Melanoma is more common than many realize. In fact, approximately 1 in 50 Americans will develop melanoma at some point in their lifetime. It occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) grow uncontrollably, often due to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While melanoma can be serious, the good news is that it is highly preventable and treatable when detected early.

 

Know the Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

Understanding the warning signs is a critical first step. Dermatologists often recommend using the “ABCDE” rule when examining moles or skin spots:

A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
B – Border: Edges are irregular or blurred
C – Color: Uneven shades of brown, black, or other colors
D – Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser
E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

 

 

Prevention Starts with Daily Habits

Prevention, however, is where you have the most control. Protecting your skin doesn’t require drastic changes—just consistent habits.

  • Start with daily sunscreen use. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours when outdoors, especially if swimming or sweating.
  • Stay in the shade during peak sun hours (typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
  • Wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves.
  • Avoid tanning beds altogether, as they significantly increase the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
  • Get regular skin checks. Perform monthly self-exams to become familiar with your skin and notice any changes early. Scheduling an annual skin exam with a dermatologist adds an extra layer of protection, especially if you have risk factors such as fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.

 

 

Advanced Treatment Options at Uderm

For patients diagnosed with certain types of skin cancer, advanced treatment options can make a significant difference in outcomes and recovery. At Uderm, we offer Mohs Surgery, a highly specialized technique known for its precision and effectiveness. Mohs surgery involves removing cancerous tissue layer by layer and examining each layer under a microscope in real time. This process continues until no cancer cells remain, ensuring complete removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. For melanoma in cosmetically-sensitive areas, we perform Mohs surgery with immunostainings (Mart-1), which further enhances cure rates and optimizes outcomes. Given that we are the only Mohs surgery practice in the region offering this service, we are a destination for many patients who live a great distance from Chattanooga.

What sets Uderm apart is our commitment to both clinical excellence and patient-centered care. By offering Mohs surgery in-house, patients benefit from a streamlined experience—receiving diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care all in one trusted location. This approach not only increases cure rates but also minimizes scarring and supports optimal cosmetic outcomes, which is especially important for cancers occurring on the face and other visible areas. Our team’s expertise and attention to detail provide patients with confidence and peace of mind during what can be a stressful time.

 

 

Take Action This May

Skin Cancer Awareness Month—and especially Melanoma Monday—serves as a meaningful prompt to take these steps seriously. Whether it’s swapping in a better sunscreen, booking a skin check, or learning about advanced treatment options, small actions can have a lasting impact.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and its first line of defense. This May, take a moment to protect it—not just for today, but for the years ahead.

How to Stay Safe in the Sun this Summer

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As summer approaches and more time is spent outdoors, protecting your skin becomes more important than ever. While sunshine can boost mood and provide essential vitamin D, too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to premature aging, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Practicing sun safety isn’t just about avoiding discomfort—it’s about protecting your long-term health.

 

 

 

What Is National Safe Sun Week?

Each year, MedStar Health promotes National Safe Sun Week, observed in 2026 from May 18–24. Established in 2021, this initiative takes place just before Memorial Day weekend, when many Americans kick off the summer season. The goal is simple: raise awareness about safe sun practices so people can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing harmful exposure to the sun’s rays.

 

Sun Damage Affects Everyone

A common misconception is that only fair skin is at risk for sun damage. In reality, UV radiation can harm people of all skin tones. While those with lighter skin may burn more easily, individuals with darker skin are still vulnerable to long-term damage, including hyperpigmentation and skin cancer—often diagnosed at later, more dangerous stages. Sun safety is for everyone, regardless of complexion.

 

Smart Sun Protection Strategies

Staying safe in the sun doesn’t mean avoiding it altogether—it means being intentional about protection. One of the most effective steps you can take is applying sunscreen daily. Choose a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher and apply it to all exposed skin, including often-missed areas like the ears, neck, and tops of the feet. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.

Timing also matters. Try to limit direct sun exposure during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. If you’re outside during these times, seek shade whenever possible—under umbrellas, trees, or covered patios.

Clothing can also serve as a powerful barrier. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses provide additional protection without sacrificing comfort. Many brands now offer clothing with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) for even greater defense.

 

Don’t Forget Regular Skin Checks

Even with the best prevention habits, it’s important to monitor your skin for changes. Monthly self-exams can help you spot new or unusual moles, while annual visits to a dermatologist provide professional evaluation. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to successfully treat skin cancer.

 

Expert Care When You Need It

If skin cancer is detected, having access to advanced, specialized care makes all the difference. At Uderm, patients benefit from comprehensive skin cancer treatment options, including Mohs Surgery. This precise, tissue-sparing procedure removes cancer layer by layer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible—making it especially effective for cancers on the face and other sensitive areas.

What sets Uderm apart is the combination of expertise and convenience. By offering Mohs surgery in-house, patients receive seamless, coordinated care from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. This not only improves outcomes but also provides peace of mind during an otherwise stressful experience.

 

Enjoy Summer—Safely

National Safe Sun Week serves as a valuable reminder that a few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your skin. Whether you’re heading to the beach, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or taking a daily walk, sun safety should always be part of your routine.

This summer, make protecting your skin second nature. With the right precautions, you can enjoy everything the season has to offer—while keeping your skin healthy for years to come.

Mohs Surgery For Skin Cancer Treatment

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This surgical technique is a highly effective treatment option for skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, caused primarily by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma are the three most common types of skin cancer and are highly treatable when caught early.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized surgical technique for the treatment of skin cancer that involves removing and examining layers of skin until only cancer-free tissue remains. It is the only specialty in medicine where the surgeon is also the pathologist, and it is considered the most effective treatment for BCC and SCC. An advanced technique called immunostaining has made it possible to also treat melanomas using Mohs surgery.

 

How Does It Work?

During Mohs surgery, patients remain awake and receive local anesthesia to numb the operative site. The surgeon will then remove a thin layer of the skin and thoroughly examine it under a microscope, repeating this step until the cancer is completely removed. Afterward, the removal site will be reconstructed during the same appointment. Surgery typically takes two to three hours, with the patient spending the majority of this time waiting comfortably in a room while the tissue is prepared for analysis.

 

The Benefits of Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates among skin cancer treatments and minimizes the risk of recurrence. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it can effectively cure up to 99% of skin cancers that haven’t been treated before and 94% that have returned after initial treatment. It also spares healthy tissue and leaves the smallest possible scar. Both surgery and reconstruction take place in a single, outpatient visit, and most patients can return to work the next day.

 

“Although a sophisticated skin cancer treatment, the goals of Mohs surgery are simple: keep you comfortable, get the cancer out, and leave you with the least amount of scarring. After performing thousands of Mohs surgeries and complex reconstructions, our team at Uderm is setting the bar for the highest quality skin cancer therapies.”

Jonathan Miller, MD, FACMS, FAAD
Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, Uderm

 

👉 Schedule an appointment with Uderm today and trust your care to Chattanooga’s fellowship-trained Mohs surgery expert.

 

Written by Rachel Studebaker

This blog post was originally published in HealthScope® Magazine and on HealthScopeMag.com and has been reposted here with permission for informational purposes only. All credit for the content belongs to the original author and source. While we strive to share accurate and valuable information, we do not claim ownership of this material and are not responsible for any changes, updates, or interpretations made since the original publication. For the most up-to-date version, please visit healthscopemag.com.

Choosing the Right Surgeon For Mohs Surgery

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When facing a skin cancer diagnosis, the choice of surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make. Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the gold standard for treating many types of skin cancer, offering the highest cure rates while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. But not all Mohs surgeons have the same training—and that difference matters.

 

 

Board Certification vs. Fellowship Training

All Mohs surgeons should be board-certified dermatologists, but true expertise goes a step further. Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons complete an additional 1–2 years of intensive, hands-on training under the direct supervision of highly experienced Mohs surgeons in an accredited training program. This fellowship ensures advanced skill in:

  • Removing complex skin cancers with precision
  • Performing same-day microscopic analysis
  • Reconstructing wounds for the best cosmetic and functional outcomes

 

The Loophole You Should Know About

In recent years, a certification loophole has temporarily allowed some dermatologists to present themselves as “Mohs surgeons” without ever completing a formal fellowship. While these individuals may be board-certified in dermatology, they lack the rigorous, supervised training that fellowship provides. For patients, this distinction is critical. Without fellowship training, a surgeon may not have the same level of experience in managing complex or high-risk skin cancers, or in performing advanced reconstructions.

 

Why Fellowship Training Matters for You

Skin cancer treatment isn’t just about removing cancer cells—it’s about achieving the highest cure rate while minimizing scarring and preserving function in sensitive areas like the face, ears, and hands. A fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon is uniquely prepared to balance cancer removal with cosmetic and reconstructive expertise.

 

The Uderm Standard

At Uderm, our Mohs surgeon is both board-certified and fellowship-trained. That means every patient we treat receives care from a surgeon who has completed the highest level of training in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction. It’s one of the many reasons why Uderm is the most trusted name in dermatology in the Chattanooga region.

 

Your Health Deserves the Highest Standard

Don’t settle for anything less when it comes to your skin cancer care. Always ask your surgeon:

  • Are you fellowship-trained in Mohs surgery?
  • Where did you complete your fellowship?
  • How many Mohs cases have you performed?

Your skin—and your health—deserve nothing but the best.

 

👉 Schedule an appointment with Uderm today and trust your care to Chattanooga’s fellowship-trained Mohs surgery expert.

Advancements in Skin Cancer Treatment

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From minimally invasive surgical technologies to innovative approaches to rehabilitation and beyond, new research in the medical field is optimizing care for patients and doctors alike. Read on to discover the latest in revolutionary treatment options. Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment option for skin cancer.

 

Doctor looking through microscopeUnderstanding Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and is caused by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, age, and immune function. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma are the three most common types of skin cancer, and are highly treatable when caught early.

 

New Solutions

Mohs micrographic surgery, pioneered by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs several decades ago, is a specialized surgical technique for the treatment of skin cancer that involves removing and examining layers of skin until only cancer-free tissue remains. It is the only specialty in medicine where the surgeon is also the pathologist, and boasts the highest cure rates of any cancer treatment for BCC, SCC, melanoma, and other rare forms of skin cancer. Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons have significant experience with complex skin cancer management and reconstruction.

 

What to Expect

Mohs surgery is an awake procedure. You will first receive local anesthesia to numb the operative site. During the procedure, a thin layer of skin will be removed and thoroughly examined under a microscope. Your surgeon will repeat this step until the cancer is completely removed. After the cancer has been cleared, the removal site will be reconstructed during the same appointment. Surgery typically takes two to three hours, and the majority of this time will be spent waiting comfortably in a room while the tissue is prepared for analysis.

 

Benefits to Patients

Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates among skin cancer treatments and minimizes the risk of recurrence. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it can effectively cure up to 99% of skin cancers that haven’t been treated before and 94% that have returned after initial treatment. Both surgery and reconstruction conveniently take place in a single, outpatient visit, and most patients can return to work the next day.

 

An Expert Weighs In

“Although a sophisticated skin cancer treatment, the goals of Mohs surgery is simple: keep you comfortable, get the cancer out, and leave you with the least amount of scarring. After performing thousands of Mohs surgeries and complex reconstructions, our team at Uderm is setting the bar for the highest quality skin cancer therapies.”

Jonathan Miller, MD, FACMS, FAADDermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, Uderm

 

Written by Rachel Studebaker & Kristen Dee

This blog post was originally published in HealthScope® Magazine and on HealthScopeMag.com and has been reposted here with permission for informational purposes only. All credit for the content belongs to the original author and source. While we strive to share accurate and valuable information, we do not claim ownership of this material and are not responsible for any changes, updates, or interpretations made since the original publication. For the most up-to-date version, please visit healthscopemag.com.

Debunking Common Myths About Skin Cancer

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Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Despite its prevalence, many myths about skin cancer persist, leading to misconceptions about risk factors and prevention.

Understanding the truth about skin cancer is crucial for early detection and prevention. Below, we’ll debunk common myths about skin cancer to help you protect yourself and your loved ones.

Continue reading “Debunking Common Myths About Skin Cancer” →

Detecting Early: The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer Detection

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People of a certain age might remember when sunbathers, including them, sat at the beach without sunscreen. Instead they might have used baby oil on their skin to increase their gorgeous tan. Little did they know that using baby oil increased their risk of skin cancer since it attracts ultraviolet UV rays and allows it to penetrate more deeply. In addition, it causes a quicker burn. Unfortunately, although we now know how dangerous it is to be out in the sun, people still do it. No matter whether you use sunscreen at the beach, use it everyday, or not at all, we need information about detecting skin cancer early, including the ABCDEs of skin cancer detection.

Why Is Early Detection Important?

If you haven’t been completely faithful to wearing sunscreen over the years, now is the time to see a board-certified professional like the ones with Uderm. You should be checking your body on a regular basis, but seeing a dermatologist is essential.

Finding skin cancer early is the best way to prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body. Your dermatologist can spot skin cancer and treat it with little or no scarring and with high odds of eliminating it.

Some facts to know about melanoma:

  • It is the most dangerous of the three most common forms of skin cancer.
  • It is curable when caught early and treated.
  • Melanoma can appear on any area of the body—even in areas not typically exposed to sunlight.
  • Tanning beds increase the risk for melanoma.
  • One out of five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.

The ABCDEs of Detecting Skin Cancer

In order to detect skin cancer early, the first thing you should do is look for any new spots on your skin or those that look different from others. Watch out for spots that are changing, itching, bleeding, or changing color.

These tips will help you recognize problem spots or lesions.

A Stands for Asymmetry

When looking at a spot, note any that are not equal or the same on both sides. Benign, or non-cancerous, moles are usually symmetrical.

B Stands for Border

Does the spot have unequal borders or is hard to define? Does it have scalloped edges?

C Stands for Color

Does the spot have mixed colors? Look for shades of tan, brown, or black. Even note areas of red, white, or blue.

D Stands for Diameter

Note a spot that is larger than a pencil eraser or greater than 6 millimeters.

E Stands for Evolving

Has the spot changed? Gotten bigger, changed color, or the shape is different?

Keep You and Your Family Safe

Covering up is still the best way to prevent skin cancer when out in the sun. Wear a hat and protective clothing. Keep your children safe by using sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, hats, sunglasses etc. Begin when they are young, so they will understand its importance.

There are many natural looking self-tanners on the market now if you want to have tan looking skin. Understand this will not protect you from the damaging rays of the sun. You must still use sunscreen with 30 SPF at least.

Skin cancer can happen to anyone at any age. Check your skin (and your children’s skin) for unusual spots, and make it a priority to see Uderm at least once a year to detect skin cancer early. Utilize our secure online scheduling tool today to schedule an appointment in Ooltewah or Hixson.

Continue reading “Detecting Early: The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer Detection” →

Skin Cancer: Mohs Surgery vs Traditional Excision

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Appropriately named after the doctor who invented this technique, Dr. Frederick Mohs, Mohs cancer surgery is now considered the gold standard for skin cancer treatment. It is a precise and effective treatment for most skin cancers with melanoma being an exception. Let’s analyze skin cancer Mohs surgery vs traditional excision.

How Mohs Surgery Is Different

Compared to traditional excision surgery for skin cancer, Mohs surgery confirms that all cancer cells are removed at the time of surgery. This increases the likelihood of a cure and reduces the need for additional treatments or another surgery.

Mohs surgery has a 99% cure rate for first time cancers, and a 94% cure rate for any recurrent cases.

This surgery is performed in stages and in only one visit. The surgeon removes a layer of tissue and immediately examines 100% of the margins under a microscope. If more cancer cells exist, your Mohs surgeon repeats the process until there are no more cancer cells.

In a traditional excision, the skin cancer is excised with a predetermined margin, that is larger than a Mohs margin, and the area is immediately repaired. The tissue is then sent to an outside lab and processed over several days to see if the margins are clear. If they are not clear, then the patient has to return to have the stitches removed, more tissue taken, and then it is re-repaired. This can result in more scarring and less convenience than Mohs surgery.

Advantages of Mohs Surgery

If you have the option of Mohs surgery vs traditional excision, you may want to consider the following advantages of Mohs:

  • There are lower recurrence rates when the Mohs technique is used.
  • Mohs offers precise microscopic control of the entire tumor margins.
  • Mohs maximizes healthy tissue conservation.
  • It has the highest cure rate for non-melanoma skin cancers.
  • It is more cost effective due to the higher cure rates and low recurrence rates.
  • There is reduced scarring with a smaller incision, and it has a better cosmetic result.

Contact Uderm at (423) 206-2777 if you want to discuss your options for skin cancer treatment in Ooltewah or Hixson and whether Mohs surgery is right for you. You can alternatively schedule an appointment through our convenient online tool.

What To Expect With Mohs Surgery

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Known as the gold standard in treating skin cancers, micrographic Mohs surgery is a highly effective treatment for the removal of the most common types of skin cancers. It is actually named for the medical student who perfected it back in the 1930s, but has since been modified to today’s standards. If your dermatologist has recommended this procedure to treat your skin cancer, here is what to expect with Mohs surgery.

Continue reading “What To Expect With Mohs Surgery” →