Florida Dermatology and Skin Cancer Information

Florida Dermatology & Skin Cancer Centers provide comprehensive skin cancer screenings and effective surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Our services include Mohs micrographic surgery and excisional surgery. To minimize the risk of developing skin cancer, simple everyday precautions are recommended. These include avoiding tanning beds and sun lamps, wearing protective clothing, and consistently using sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm, particularly when spending time outdoors between 10 AM and 3 PM.

A dermatologist examining a patient's skin for any signs of concern.

Medical Dermatology Services

Our team of board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are equipped to treat a wide spectrum of skin conditions and diseases. This includes common ailments such as eczema, rosacea, acne, warts, rashes, and dry skin, as well as other dermatological changes.

Comprehensive Skin Cancer Treatment

Florida Dermatology & Skin Cancer Centers (FLDSCC) is a comprehensive center dedicated to skin cancer treatment. Our physicians possess extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating skin cancer efficiently and effectively, aiming for minimal scarring and risk for patients.

Integrating dermatological procedures into your regular healthcare routine can significantly contribute to maintaining your appearance and overall health for many years.

Patient Testimonials

We have received highly positive feedback from our patients:

  • "Everything was excellent all the way around! I was referred by a friend, and I’m so happy I chose FLD. I received excellent care!"
  • "The staff has excellent bedside manner, and everyone was very informative and professional."
  • "We love this office! The staff is so kind, efficient and professional. They make you feel like family!"
  • "We were unhappy with another dermatologists' office, so we left and came here. We are so happy we switched."
A collage of smiling patients and friendly staff members from a dermatology clinic.

Understanding Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer globally, impacting approximately 1 in 5 individuals during their lifetime. Our specialized team offers comprehensive, personalized treatment strategies and access to the latest clinical trials, which contributes to superior patient outcomes.

The UF Health Cancer Center holds an NCI designation, a prestigious recognition awarded by the National Cancer Institute to centers that adhere to the highest standards in cancer research and patient care.

Types of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancer accounts for the majority of diagnosed cases and is primarily categorized into two main types:

  • Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most prevalent form of skin cancer.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the second most common type of skin cancer.

Melanoma

Although less frequent, melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It originates in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment, known as melanin.

A diagram illustrating the different layers of the skin and where various types of skin cancer originate.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from the sun or tanning beds, substantially elevates the risk of developing skin cancer. Prevention is paramount in reducing your susceptibility to skin cancer. It is advisable to schedule an annual skin cancer screening.

For further information on patient education concerning skin cancer treatment and clinical trials, please refer to our patient education page.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment

Our expert team for skin cancer treatment at UF Health comprises specialists, nurse navigators, plastic surgeons, researchers, dermatologists, and other healthcare professionals. Patients benefit from the collective knowledge of multiple cancer specialists who meticulously review individual cases to formulate the most effective treatment plans.

Our distinguished experts leverage cutting-edge technology and clinical trial research to provide an extensive array of skin cancer treatment options. UF Health research scientists are dedicated to advancing medical care daily by conducting clinical trials, often making new treatments available to patients sooner.

How Do Cancer Research and Clinical Trials Lead to New Treatments?

Community and Patient Programs

Our community and patient programs offer significant value to patients, their families, and loved ones, providing support, educational resources, expert consultations, and more.

Non-Surgical Skin Cancer Treatment in Florida

In Florida and similar sunny regions, tanning is often a part of daily life. While fall marks the end of the traditional tanning season for many in the United States, the need for sun protection remains year-round.

It is important to note that 95% of skin cancers are squamous and basal cell carcinomas, not melanoma, and surgery is not always required for their treatment. At Florida Skin Cancer Institute, we specialize in non-surgical treatment of skin cancer, primarily utilizing image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IG-SRT). IG-SRT offers cure rates comparable to or higher than Mohs surgery, but without the need for cutting.

Why endure the potential risks associated with surgery, such as bleeding, infection, prolonged wound healing, skin grafting, activity limitations, scarring, or cosmetic concerns, when a gentler alternative exists? Patients undergoing non-surgical skin cancer treatment often do not experience the typical symptoms of cancer or side effects associated with chemotherapy, making them healthier compared to patients undergoing other cancer treatments. We effectively treat skin cancer through non-surgical superficial radiation treatment (SRT) in a calm, comfortable, and optimistic setting, allowing patients to receive treatment alongside others with a good prognosis.

A graphic comparing surgical and non-surgical skin cancer treatment methods, highlighting benefits and risks.

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