By Joseph Onorato, MD, FAAD
Even though it’s the holidays and are schedules are packed a little more tightly, that’s no excuse to put off your dermatology appointments. If you haven’t noticed, our area is growing and bustling with new folks that call it home now or visit six months out of the year. If you wait too long, scheduling your appointments will be placed further out than you like or need. Waiting to schedule can put you at greater risk.
Schedule your dermatology appointment now to make sure that you are maintaining healthy skin, and if anything is abnormal, getting an early diagnosis is critical for optimal treatment.
Every hour a person dies of melanoma, and this year alone, over 76,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed. On average skin cancer screenings take about 10 minutes, which could potentially save your life.
Along with the unfortunate diagnosis of melanoma, there are many other concerns and cancers that can be detected in your dermatologist’s office with a thorough, proper, skin cancer screening. On a regular basis, you should have a screening at least once a year. And, because some forms of skin cancer grow very rapidly, if you are experiencing any new forms of lesions, bumps, moles that are of concern, you should schedule a dermatology appointment immediately.
Skin cancer is often on the scalp, ears, bottom of the feet and other areas that usually go undetected by patients. That is why it’s imperative to see your dermatologist regularly. However, if you do notice changes in your skin, don’t wait.
Make an appointment immediately, as skin cancer can proliferate rather quickly.
The symptoms to look for in moles or lesions are outlined in this simple acronym, ABCDE:
A—Asymmetry
B—Border Irregularity
C—Color-Variegated or a Halo Effect
D—Diameter (>6 mm)
E—Evolving
In Addition to the symptoms above, there are supplementary signs to look for, which include:
A—Amelanotic (Pink or Red Lesion)
B—Bleeding/Bump (Raised Lesion)
C—Color Uniformity
D—De Novo Development
(A New Development <6mm)
What’s on YOUR Skin?
Contact SWFL Dermatology Plastic Surgery & Laser Center.
• Welcoming New Patients
• New York Trained
• Mohs Surgery
• Accepting most Florida & New York Insurance plans including Florida Blue and GHI.
To improve the appearance and health of your skin, schedule a consultation today at SWFL Dermatology Plastic Surgery & Laser Center online or by phone at 239-500-SKIN.
SWFL Dermatology Plastic Surgery & Laser Center
SWFL (Southwest Florida) Dermatology is a full-service skin care practice offering Adult Pediatric Family Dermatology services and Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
SWFL Dermatology is an extension of All Island Dermatology Plastic Surgery MedSpa & Laser Center – a leader in providing skin care to its patients in the greater Garden City and Glen Cove communities in Long Island, NY since 1995.
We are proud to join the Southwest Florida community and welcome the opportunity to service its residents as well as all of its visiting snow-birds.
Our Mission is to establish and maintain a practice built on positive patient relations and patient satisfaction.
SWFL Dermatology is an Affinity Member of the Naples Zoo and is proud to support the Zoo in its endeavor to inspire people of all ages to respect, value and conserve wildlife and our natural world.
We are also a member of the Naples and Bonita Springs Chambers of Commerce and support their efforts to foster local business advancement in helping make Southwest Florida one of the best communities to live, work in, and visit.
Founder & Owner
Joseph Onorato, MD, FAAD
Dr. Onorato has over 25 years of experience practicing dermatology and is board certified. He serves as SWFL Dermatology’s medical director, encouraging his team to provide the best skin care services in the area. He focuses on general dermatology and dermatological surgery including laser treatments, chemical peels, and injectable fillers.
SWFLDermatology.com
13800 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 112
Naples, FL 34110
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