Skin Cancer Screening Hollywood, Florida
What Is Skin Cancer Screening, and How Much Does is Cost?
There almost always comes a time when one wonders, “what’s that on my skin?” And it can be fear-inducing, leading most to be concerned about having or developing skin cancer. It’s totally normal to feel that way and we want you to know, you’ll be fine.
At Minars Dermatology, premier skin care clinic in Hollywood, FL, we have experienced skin cancer doctors near you who can help you overcome your fear, and if skin cancer is a risk or reality, we’ll treat you with expert care, too.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, accounting for half of all cancer cases. You should also know that almost all skin cancer can be cured when treated early.
Routine Skin Cancer Screening Near You
Most residents of sunny states like Florida should have their skin checked by a dermatologist specializing in skin cancer treatments at least once a year. If you have any risk factors for skin cancer (such as family history, pre-cancer spots, or previous skin cancers) then you should be seen twice a year. This is your best chance at prevention and timely intervention.
We also recommend making an immediate appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists near you for a skin check if you notice the following:
- sores that don’t heal after one month
- new or changing lesions (especially moles)
Make sure you show the doctor what you’ve found so they can use magnification, photography (when appropriate), and dermatoscopes to evaluate your moles and look for early signs of skin cancer. If we find something suspicious – we can do a simple on-the-spot (and minimally invasive – no stitches) shave biopsy and send it to the lab for a quick answer.
Our goal is to find a balance between catching every cancer but not over-biopsying patients and leaving unnecessary scars.
How Much Does Skin Cancer Screening Cost?
Skin cancer screening is considered a necessary medical visit as a preventative measure. This type of medical visit and simple procedures like skin biopsies to evaluate suspicious growths on your skin are normally covered by your insurance, which means the cost for skin cancer treatment will be paid by your insurance provider. There is the possibility that you will be required to pay a deductible or to cover some of the cost as a copay.
The cost for skin care screening is $250-$300 if you don’t have medical insurance. This cost is only for the initial screening. If you require any other procedures like a biopsy or freezing a precancerous spot, these would be an additional cost on top of that original amount.
Skin Cancer Follow-Up Guidelines
After a diagnosis and treatment for skin cancer, follow-up care becomes a crucial part of your health journey. As skilled dermatologists, we emphasize the importance of regular skin checks to catch new or recurring cancers early, which greatly improves treatment success and outcomes.
Why Are Follow-Up Visits Important?
Skin cancer is often linked to cumulative sun damage and genetic predisposition. Once you have had one skin cancer, whether that be basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, you are at increased risk for developing another. Follow-up visits allow us to monitor your skin closely, identify any new suspicious lesions, and intervene early before cancers progress.
How Often Should You Be Seen for Skin Cancer Follow Up?
The frequency of follow-up depends on your individual risk factors and the type of skin cancer you had:
- Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: For most patients treated for these cancers, we recommend full skin exams every six months for at least a few years following treatment. This interval helps catch any recurrences or new cancers early.
- Melanoma: Because melanoma can be more aggressive, follow-up visits are typically scheduled every three to four months initially, gradually spacing out as time passes without new lesions. This close surveillance is essential for early detection of any recurrence or metastasis.
If you develop new symptoms or notice changes in your skin between visits, don’t wait, schedule an appointment immediately.
What Happens During Follow-Up Skin Cancer Visits?
At each follow-up, we perform a thorough full body skin exam, checking both the treated areas and your entire skin surface. We may also review your sun protection habits, discuss any new concerns, and adjust your care plan as needed. Education is a key component; understanding what to look for empowers you to participate actively in your care.
When Can You Graduate From Frequent Follow-Ups?
Some patients ask when they can “graduate” from frequent visits and are curious if skin cancer can come back after being removed. While there is no strict timeline, and it can come back as new cancer cells, if you remain cancer-free for several years and maintain vigilant sun protection, follow-up intervals may be extended. However, lifelong monitoring is often advised since skin cancer risk persists.
Additional Skin Cancer Recommendations
In addition to skin checks, we stress sun protection as a lifelong habit. We also recommend that first-degree relatives of melanoma patients have regular skin exams, as genetic factors can increase risk. Your skin cancer follow-up schedule is personalized to your needs and risk. Regular visits provide peace of mind and protect your skin health by allowing us to catch problems early. Never hesitate to reach out if you have questions or notice anything unusual on your skin. Together, we can manage your risk and keep your skin healthy.
Book Your Skin Cancer Screening & Treatment at Minars Dermatology
You are in capable hands at Minars Dermatology when it comes to skin cancer and other dermatological concerns. We take the utmost care of our patients to make them feel safe and comfortable.
If we are treating you for skin cancer you can trust that:
- We will use the least invasive, most effective and safest solution
- Many superficial skin cancers can simply be “scraped” out with a five-minute procedure, requiring NO stitches with speedy recover
- Some types of skin cancer can be treated with an FDA-approved cream applied at home
- Some types of skin cancer will require surgery. We do it all in the office, under local anesthesia, and almost everything is repaired the same day with a plastic surgeon in-house if you need one, so you will not need to go somewhere else for a repair.
Above all else, our #1 goal is for you to “get on with your life”.
If you’re ready to see one of the expert skin care doctors at Minars Dermatology, call us at 954-987-7512 to schedule your appointment or book online.
Our efforts to be the best skin cancer clinic in Hollywood, Florida are all worthwhile when we receive notes from our patients like this:
“Thank you so much for everything you have done for me with my Melanoma diagnosis. You really put me at ease throughout the whole process. I could not have asked for a better doctor! You truly care about the wellbeing of your patients. I look forward to my upcoming visits with you. Thank you so much!”
We are also humbled to be featured as a South Florida expert in skin cancer treatment, in the Miami Herald article, “A new weapon in the fight against lethal melanoma”.
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