Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Offers Complimentary Skin Cancer Screenings During Melanoma May

Fort Myers, FL (PRWEB) April 16, 2013

One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer. Where do you stand?

This May, Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery offers free skin cancer screenings at each of their six Southwest Florida locations. Skin cancer screenings are for new patients only and require an appointment.

On Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Riverchase Dermatology offices in Cape Coral and Downtown Naples will host complimentary screenings. On Friday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., patients can enjoy screenings in Fort Myers. On Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., the offices in Marco Island, North Naples and North Port will offer screenings. All offices require an appointment and no walk-ins will be accepted. To make an appointment, patients must call 1-800-591-3376.

Riverchase Dermatology hosts annual practice-wide skin cancer screenings for Melanoma May. This is the first year they have offered screenings on a Saturday.

What Dermatologists Find During Screenings

There are three types of skin cancer that are usually found during a screening; squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that melanoma kills 8,790 people in the United States annually. Pre-cancerous lesions and rashes are also common problems spotted by the health care providers.

About Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery was founded by Andrew T. Jaffe, MD. Dr. Jaffes vision is to provide the most advanced dermatologic services to Southwest Florida, offering a comprehensive approach that would include every available treatment option for skin cancer, general dermatology and cosmetic surgery. Riverchase is now the areas largest and most comprehensive skin center.

The Riverchase team of professionals uses the very latest techniques and equipment to treat all types of skin disorders, skin cancer and cosmetic concerns in six Southwest Florida locations including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, North Naples, Downtown Naples, Marco Island and North Port.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-591-DERM (3376).

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Waters Edge Dermatology Offers Complimentary Skin Cancer Screenings in May for Skin Cancer Awareness Month

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (PRWEB) May 06, 2013

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. During Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, Floridians can get free skin cancer screenings at several Waters Edge Dermatology clinics.

Free skin cancer screenings are by appointment and take place at the following Water's Edge clinics: Sebring on May 7 and May 28; Vero Beach on May 16; Lighthouse Point and Delray Beach on May 20; and Palm Bay on May 23.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States, with one in five people having some form of skin cancer. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 76,600 cases of skin cancer in 2013, resulting in roughly 9,000 deaths annually.

Its so unfortunate when a patient waits too long to be screened and melanoma is found way too late, as its very treatable if found early, says Justin Platzer, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs skin cancer surgeon at Waters Edge Dermatology.

Darlene Moore of West Palm Beach, Fla., echoes Dr. Platzers sentiment of the importance of diagnosing melanoma early. During a regular skin cancer screening at Waters Edge Dermatology, Shanna Stone, ARNP, saw a few areas of concern on Ms. Moores ear and arm and took biopsies. Ms. Moore was diagnosed with Stage 1 melanoma on her arm and basal cell carcinoma on her ear.

The basal cell, frankly, I wasnt as concerned about, says Ms. Moore. Dr. Platzer reassured me that Mohs surgery was very effective for basal cell carcinoma and he was able to get it all. But I was really concerned about melanoma, because my brother-in-law died of melanoma.

Surgery is the best way to remove early melanomas, with later stages usually requiring more extensive treatment, such as radiation and chemotherapy. Mohs surgery saves the greatest amount of healthy tissue, appears to reduce the rate of local recurrence and has the highest overall cure rate about 94 percent to 99 percent of any treatment for squamous cell carcinoma. And generally, Mohs surgery is 98 percent or better for basal cell carcinoma, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

As the old saying goes, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, says Dr. Platzer. Say no to tanning beds and always wear sunscreen. And, if you live in sunny Florida, it is critical to have regular skin cancer screeningsand theres no better time than this month, while were offering screenings for free.

Many of Waters Edge Dermatology clinics are open Saturdays and late during the workweek. To make an appointment, visit http://www.WeDerm.com and fill out the online appointment form, email info(at)WeDerm(dot)com or call 561-694-9493 for more information.

Side Bar: Waters Edge Dermatology recommends the following tips to have fun in the sun and reduce risk for skin cancer at the same time: