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Skin cancer remains the most diagnosed form of cancer in the United States, with roughly one in five people developing it in their lifetime. MUSC Health's Jenny Sullivan Sanford Melanoma & Skin Cancer Program is the only one of its kind in South Carolina. Our program, based on a multidisciplinary team approach, is committed to enhancing the care you receive for melanoma and other skin cancers.

US News and World Report cancer badge.

National recognition in cancer care

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center has been recognized as High Performing in Cancer Care in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. This honor underscores our advanced expertise and dedication to providing patients with innovative treatments and personalized care.

The Hollings difference

Treatment and Support

Our team of melanoma and skin cancer specialists bring you the latest, state-of-the-art technology to properly diagnose and treat your skin cancer. Our treatment options available to you include:

Early Diagnosis & Staging

  • Cancer resection surgery.
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy – A minimally invasive technique to identify microscopic lymph node disease and direct further necessary therapy.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

This technique is used to minimize the amount of normal tissue excised at surgery while maximizing chances for clear margins. The technique is especially useful in treating pre-cancerous skin lesions, such as melanoma in-situ in the head and neck region.

T-VEC (Imlygic)

T-VEC (Imlygic) is a treatment that uses a virus to infect and kill cancer cells while avoiding healthy cells. This FDA-approved medication is for the treatment of advanced melanoma. T-VEC is injected directly into melanoma tumors to shrink or kill cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy

Nurse Navigator Support

Our melanoma and skin cancer nurse navigator, Melanie Wilson, BSN, RN, OCN (wilsonmc@musc.edu), will help you understand what to expect during treatment and answer questions you may have.

Make an appointment

To make an appointment with a melanoma and skin cancer specialist, call 843-792-9300.

Call to Make an Appointment

Refer a Skin Cancer Patient

To refer a skin cancer patient to Hollings, please call 843-985-3973.

Call the Referral Line

Specialized skin cancer care

The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Thanks to advancements in treatment, all three types of skin cancer are usually treatable if they are caught early. To reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, limit your exposure to the sun, wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and pick out the right type of sunscreen.

Skin cancer doesn’t just impact the elderly — it is becoming more common among younger patients, too. It is recommended that you receive routine annual skin screenings by a trained dermatologist. Depending on your family and personal history of skin cancer, more regular screenings may be necessary.

Our researchers and doctors are constantly looking for ways to improve treatments and outcomes for skin cancer patients. This is largely made possible thanks to research and clinical trials.

Some recent research projects include:

As South Carolina’s only NCI-designated cancer center, Hollings offers you clinical trials and treatments that aren’t available anywhere else in the state. These opportunities provide you with access to the latest medications, therapies, and surgical techniques that can improve your outcomes. Learn more about clinical trials at Hollings and see our current melanoma and skin cancer clinical trials.

3D illustration of the pelvis and lower spine with a tumor in the hip bone radiating yellow and red colors

Managing bone metastasis

If your cancer has spread to the bone, Hollings features a Metastatic Disease to Bone Clinic that offers pain management and individualized treatment.

Learn About the Clinic

I said, ‘My goals are I want to live life to the fullest, and I want to see my grandchildren grow old.' And Dr. Sutton came over, and he patted me on the leg, and he said, ‘We’ve got this.’

Melanoma & skin cancer care providers

Accepting New Patients
Sanjay Jain

Sanjay Jain, M.D., Ph.D.

Specialties
  • Benign Hematology
  • Biliary Cancer
Locations (2)
  • Charleston, SC
  • North Charleston, SC
Accepting New Patients
David Cole

David Cole, M.D.

Specialties
  • Sarcoma Cancer
  • Breast Cancer
Locations (1)
  • Charleston, SC
Accepting New Patients
Andrea Abbott

Andrea Abbott, M.D., MSCR

4.8/5.0 - 81 rating
Specialties
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Breast Cancer
Locations (2)
  • Charleston, SC
  • Mount Pleasant, SC

Melanoma & skin cancer care locations

MUSC Health Primary Care

Address
2060 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard
Citadel Mall
Charleston, SC 29407
Get Directions
Hours
Specialties
  • Family Medicine
  • Primary Care

MUSC Health Primary Care

Address
2060 Sam Rittenberg Blvd
Citadel Mall
Charleston, SC 29407
Get Directions
Hours
Specialties
  • Family Medicine
  • Primary Care

MUSC Health Neurosurgery at University Medical Center Extension

Address
165 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29425
Get Directions
Specialties
  • Stroke Neurology
  • Vascular Neurosurgery

Dr. Andrea Abbott explains how to identify the warning signs of melanoma by using the ABCDE method.

Latest melanoma & skin cancer news