Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology is celebrating five years in Charlotte, but is forgoing a big celebration and instead getting out in the community to provide a life saving service. The dermatologists are hosting free skin cancer screenings throughout Charlotte at community centers, businesses and retirement homes. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and more than one million people are diagnosed annually.

All the skin cancer screening dates and times can be found at www.PPSD.com. The next free screening open to the public is on Tuesday, October 18th at Tyvola Road Senior Center (2225 Tyvola Road, Charlotte) from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. No appointments are necessary.

In North Carolina, almost 50 percent of melanoma deaths were men and women between the ages of 65 – 84 years old. For this reason, Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology is also offering their free skin cancer screenings at several retirement communities in Charlotte.

“One in five people will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime,” said Dr. Patrick McElgunn, one of the dermatologists at Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology’s Charlotte office. While many skin cancers and diseases are not fatal, it is critical to receive timely treatment in order to prevent further skin issues. Melanoma, on the other hand, can be fatal if left untreated for too long. It’s important to visit with a dermatologist to have all moles and birth marks examined and tracked so that any changes in appearance can be monitored. Unfortunately, many people don’t make these dermatological visits a priority, which is why we are offering these free screenings in the community.”

Both doctors and patients can play an important role in finding skin cancer. The most common signs of skin cancer include:

• Any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth.

• Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule

• The spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark

• A change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain

In addition to looking for any signs of skin cancer, Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology dermatologists will also be answering any skin problem questions.

About Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology

Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology is the only practice in the region combining the expertise of plastic surgery and dermatology in one office. The practice originally opened in Gastonia in 1994. Since then, Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology has grown to include offices in Charlotte and Hickory. The Charlotte practice, located at 5815 Blakeney Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28277, is over 14,000 square feet with two accredited operating rooms. Visit PPSD at www.ppsd.com or on Facebook.

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