Skin Cancer Screening Dermatologist in Miami Beach, FL
Early Detection Is the Best Protection
A skin cancer screening could save your life. Our Miami Beach dermatology specialists make it simple to stay ahead of it.
Comprehensive Skin Cancer Screenings in Miami Beach
Skin Cancer Screenings from a Miami Beach Dermatologist
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and in Miami Beach's year-round sun, the risk is real. The good news is that when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. A professional skin cancer screening is the most reliable way to catch concerning changes before they become serious.
At the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, Dr. Andleeb Usmani and our providers offer comprehensive skin cancer screenings that go well beyond a quick visual check. From full-body examinations to dermoscopic evaluation and biopsy of suspicious lesions, we give your skin the thorough attention it deserves.
If you haven't had a skin cancer screening recently, or if you've noticed something on your skin that concerns you, request an appointment today.
Meet with an Expert Dermatologist Near You
What to Expect at Your Skin Cancer Screening
Our screenings are comprehensive and systematic. Here's what each visit involves:
Comprehensive Full-Body Skin Examination
A full-body skin examination is a head-to-toe visual inspection of your skin. Your provider carefully examines every area, including spots that are difficult to see on your own, looking for any lesions, moles, or growths that appear irregular, have changed, or warrant a closer look. This thorough approach ensures nothing is overlooked.
Dermoscopic Evaluation of Moles and Other Growths
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive technique that uses a specialized handheld device to magnify and illuminate the surface of the skin. It allows your provider to evaluate the structure, color, and borders of moles and other growths in far greater detail than the naked eye alone. Dermoscopy significantly improves the accuracy of skin cancer diagnosis and helps distinguish benign growths from those that need further attention.
Biopsy of Suspicious Lesions
If a lesion looks concerning during your examination, your provider may recommend a biopsy. This involves removing a small sample of the skin for laboratory analysis to determine whether cancer cells are present. A biopsy is the only definitive way to confirm a skin cancer diagnosis, and it is performed quickly and comfortably in-office under local anesthesia.
Treatment of Pre-Cancers and Skin Cancers
If a pre-cancerous lesion or skin cancer is identified, our team can begin treatment right away. Pre-cancerous lesions (called actinic keratoses) are treated to prevent them from progressing, and skin cancers are addressed with the most appropriate method for the type, size, and location involved. Having your screening and treatment with the same team means faster care and a more seamless experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a skin cancer screening?
Most dermatologists recommend a professional skin cancer screening once a year for adults. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, a large number of moles, or a history of significant sun exposure, your provider may recommend more frequent screenings. When in doubt, it's always better to get checked.
What does skin cancer look like?
Skin cancer can appear in many ways. Common warning signs include a new growth or sore that won't heal, a mole that has changed in size, shape, or color, a lesion with irregular or poorly defined borders, a spot that itches, bleeds, or crusts, and any area of skin that looks or feels different from surrounding skin. If something seems off, have it evaluated.
How much does a skin cancer screening cost?
The cost of a skin cancer screening varies depending on your insurance coverage. Many insurance plans cover annual skin cancer screenings, particularly for patients with risk factors. Our team can help clarify what to expect regarding coverage when you schedule your appointment.
Is a skin cancer screening uncomfortable?
No. A full-body skin examination is non-invasive and painless. Dermoscopic evaluation is equally comfortable. If a biopsy is recommended, local anesthesia is used, so discomfort is minimal. Most patients find the entire visit quick and straightforward.
Who is most at risk for skin cancer?
Risk factors include fair skin, a history of sunburns, significant cumulative sun exposure, a large number of moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, and use of tanning beds. That said, skin cancer can develop in anyone, regardless of skin tone or background, which is why routine screenings are recommended for all adults.
Can skin cancer be detected without a biopsy?
Dermoscopy significantly improves a provider's ability to evaluate suspicious lesions, but a biopsy is the only way to definitively confirm whether a growth is cancerous. If your provider recommends a biopsy, it's because they want to be certain, and catching cancer early through biopsy leads to far better outcomes than waiting.
How do I find a skin cancer screening dermatologist near me in Miami Beach?
Scheduling is simple. Call our Miami Beach office or request an appointment online, and our team will get you in for a comprehensive skin cancer screening. We look forward to seeing you!