Skin Cancer Treatment In Hollywood, FL

You can’t eliminate the risk of skin cancer entirely, but you can take simple steps to protect your skin, including the following: 

• Avoid peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest
• Seek shade whenever possible, especially during midday
• Wear sun-protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating
• Skip tanning beds, which expose your skin to concentrated UV radiation
• Start sun-safe habits early, but remember – it’s never too late to protect your skin

How often you should get a skin cancer screening depends on your personal risk factors. If you have fair skin, a history of multiple sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer, annual screenings with a dermatologist are recommended. For people with low risk, getting checked every two to three years may be enough.

In between visits, it’s a good idea to do a quick self-check each month. Look for new spots, changes in existing moles, or anything that seems unusual. Catching something early gives you more options and the best chance for a simple treatment.

Skin cancer can happen at any age, but it’s most commonly diagnosed in people who are middle-aged or older. That’s because it often takes years, even decades, for UV-related damage to show up as abnormal cells on the skin.

Most of the sun exposure that leads to skin cancer occurs earlier in life, even if signs don’t appear until later. If you notice a new or changing spot, no matter your age, it’s worth having it looked at. Early detection gives you the best shot at easy treatment and full recovery.

Most forms of skin cancer can be successfully managed, especially when identified early. The most common approach is surgical removal of the growth, with special attention to ensuring that no cancer cells remain at the edges of the excised tissue. This method offers high success rates, particularly for early-stage and aggressive cases.

For cancers considered low risk, other methods like radiation therapy or cryotherapy (a technique that freezes abnormal cells) may be used. These options can be effective in some situations, though they tend to have slightly lower success rates compared to surgical treatment.

Mohs surgery is a specialized procedure that precisely removes cancerous tissue while sparing as much healthy skin as possible. During the process, the edges of the removed tissue are examined immediately to confirm that all cancer cells have been eliminated. 

This technique is especially useful for delicate areas such as the face, where preserving surrounding skin is important for appearance and function. The effectiveness of Mohs surgery is comparable to more extensive excisions.

If the cancer has advanced or spread to other areas of the body, additional treatments such as further surgery or chemotherapy may be needed.

Our team includes experienced physicians, skilled medical staff, and knowledgeable administrators who work together to provide compassionate care. From the moment you walk into one of our five South Florida offices, you’ll receive attentive service. We understand that every patient is different, so we’ll recommend the right course of action for your skin health.

Hollywood Dermatology offers the full range of clinical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologic services all under one roof. Whether you’re coming in for a routine skin cancer screening or require a more advanced procedure, our board-certified dermatologists use up-to-date techniques to ensure the best outcomes possible. 

The best treatment for skin cancer depends on a few key things, mainly the type of cancer, how deep it goes, and where it’s located on the body. In general, the sooner it’s treated, the better the outcome. Early treatment can help limit skin damage and may require a less involved procedure.

For more advanced cases or cancers in delicate areas like the face, Mohs surgery is often the preferred option. This method allows your doctor to remove the cancer in small layers while checking each one under a microscope, making sure all cancer cells are gone before closing the area. It’s precise and helps protect healthy tissue.

Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they feel during treatment. Procedures like Mohs surgery are done with local anesthesia, so while you’re awake, the area is completely numb. You won’t feel pain during the procedure, just some pressure or tugging.

Afterward, you might have some soreness around the treated area, but you can usually manage this with over-the-counter pain medicine. Other treatments, such as freezing small growths with liquid nitrogen, may sting briefly but don’t require anesthesia or downtime.

That depends on the type of treatment you have. After surgical removal or Mohs surgery, you’ll likely go home with a bandage and a few simple care instructions. Most people can get back to daily activities right away, though you might want to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a few days.

Your provider will let you know how to care for the site, including how often to clean it and whether to apply an ointment. If your job is physically demanding, you may need a short break while the area heals, but for many, recovery is smooth and doesn’t require time off.

Yes, skin cancer can form in places that do not receive much sun exposure. While ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a leading cause, it is not the only factor. 

Skin cancer has been diagnosed on the palms, soles of the feet, under the nails, inside the mouth, and even in the genital area. These cases are less common, but they highlight the importance of examining your entire body, not just sun-exposed areas. 

While most skin cancers are caused by environmental factors, particularly UV exposure, genetics can play a role in your risk. If close relatives have had skin cancer, especially melanoma, your chances of developing it may be higher. 

Certain inherited conditions, such as familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum, can significantly increase risk. Even without a known genetic disorder, a family history of skin cancer is an important reason to schedule regular skin checks.