10 October 2026

How Augmented Intelligence is Transforming Early Skin Cancer Detection and Prognosis

Why this matters

At the Fall Clinical 2026 meeting in Las Vegas, Shannon Trotter, DO, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor, talked about several developments that could affect people worried about their skin. She focused on how new technology can help find skin cancer earlier, a recently approved medicine for a troublesome itchy condition, and how she uses a podcast to help patients and clinicians learn more about skin care.

In short: what she discussed

Trotter spoke about three main things: the growing role of augmented intelligence (AI used alongside doctors) in spotting and predicting skin cancers, the approval of remibrutinib for dermatographism (a type of chronic urticaria, or recurring hives), and her patient-focused podcast. Much of this summary comes from her session at Fall Clinical 2026 (Source: Fall Clinical 2026 session with Shannon Trotter, DO).

How AI may help with skin cancer

Trotter says she’s excited about using AI as a tool for both non-melanoma skin cancers and melanoma. By “augmented intelligence,” she means technology that helps the clinician make better decisions rather than replacing them.

New products are appearing that can sharpen diagnostic skills, making it possible to spot suspicious lesions earlier. In addition, tests called gene expression profiling (which look at patterns of genes in a tumor) can give doctors and patients more information about outlook and risk. Combined with AI, these tools can offer useful prognostic information now and may guide treatment choices in the future. (Source: Fall Clinical 2026 session with Shannon Trotter, DO)

Trotter summed it up simply: many people fear AI, but in skin cancer it can be a helpful ally when used with clinical judgment.

New option for a hard-to-treat itchy condition

Trotter highlighted the recent approval of remibrutinib for symptomatic dermatographism. Dermatographism is a form of chronic inducible urticaria, which means the skin makes raised, itchy welts when it’s scratched, rubbed, or pressured.

This condition can be very frustrating and was often difficult to treat because options were limited. With remibrutinib now approved for this use, Trotter said patients may have another option to help control symptoms. As always, whether this medicine is right for someone should be discussed with their doctor. (Source: Fall Clinical 2026 session with Shannon Trotter, DO)

Helping people understand skin: the podcast

Trotter runs a podcast called “Derm-it Trotter. Don’t Swear About Skincare,” which she describes as a passion project. The show aims to give patients clear, accurate, and straightforward information about common skin concerns.

Clinicians listen, too. Trotter says the podcast can help health care providers explain topics more simply to patients and pick up useful clinical tips. The podcast is available on major streaming platforms and YouTube, and more information is on her website: www.drtrotter.com.

What made Fall Clinical stand out

According to Trotter, the meeting mixes high-quality clinical teaching with a chance to catch up with colleagues. She said it’s a useful and enjoyable meeting where attendees come away with practical tips and new ideas without feeling like it was all work.

She also noted she’ll be returning with a follow-up interview about highlights on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, so more session summaries are coming.

Keeping an eye on changes in your skin

Noticing and tracking changes in moles, spots, or other skin findings can be helpful. Taking clear photos over time can help you and your clinician see if something is changing. Tools that use AI can help document those changes and may make it easier to describe what you’ve seen during a visit, but they don’t replace a professional exam.

When to see a doctor

New or changing moles or spots, especially if they grow, change color, bleed, or become painful.
Fast-growing lumps or skin changes that worry you.
Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever.
Long-standing hives or itching that don’t respond to over-the-counter measures, such as in dermatographism.
If you’re unsure what to do or feel anxious about a skin change, make an appointment with your primary care provider or a dermatologist.

Disclaimer

This article summarizes points Trotter made during a Fall Clinical 2026 session and is intended to inform readers, not to provide medical advice. Treatment options and test results should be discussed with your doctor or dermatologist. If you have a serious symptom—like a rapidly changing lesion, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection—seek medical attention promptly.