If you have a mole that has changed in size, shape, or color, or it starts to itch, bleed, or scab, you should contact your dermatologist immediately. While these symptoms are not sure signs of melanoma, performing a thorough exam and biopsy is the only way to determine if you have skin cancer.
Melanoma Treatment in Fort Lauderdale
Expert Melanoma Treatment
Galt Dermatology Specializes in Melanoma
Despite being a rare cancer, melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths.
Noticing and treating skin cancer as early as possible is imperative to leading a long and healthy life. At Galt Dermatology, our melanoma specialists understand your concerns when it comes to managing cancer. We’re committed to transparency and education before, during, and after your melanoma treatment in Fort Lauderdale.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a quickly spreading skin cancer that forms in your melanocytes—the cells that produce melanin. They tend to appear as any other mole, which is why routine full-body screenings are so crucial.
Melanomas are often brown, but can also be skin-colored, red, or white. This dangerous cancer affects people of all ethnicities but is more common among caucasian individuals.
What To Expect
Getting Melanoma Treatment
Consultation
During your initial consultation, your dermatologist will closely examine your entire body, performing biopsies as needed. If your labs indicate that melanoma is present, your doctor will make treatment recommendations based on your situation.
Treatment
When your doctor builds your melanoma treatment plan, they will account for the cancer’s size, location, and depth, as well as your personal health concerns. You can trust that our physicians will maintain transparency on all fronts.
Next Steps
After your melanoma treatment in Fort Lauderdale, your doctor will provide detailed aftercare instructions based on your treatment. We may schedule a follow-up appointment, as well as your routine annual exams to keep future cancers under control.
Available Melanoma Treatments
Our dermatologists typically perform a surgical removal of the melanoma and a portion of the surrounding skin. However, if the melanoma has metastasized, your physician will consult with an oncologist and refer to further lab tests to build your treatment plan.
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapies (such as BRAF or MEK inhibitors)
Start Planning Your Treatment
Our virtual treatment planning tool makes finding the right melanoma treatment in Fort Lauderdale simple. After you answer a few questions, our doctors will contact you with personalized recommendations.
About Galt Dermatology & Concierge Medicine
At Galt Dermatology & Concierge Medicine, we pride ourselves on taking a different approach to healthcare. Our doctors go beyond offering the high-quality personalized care you need, devoting our full attention to your unique needs—listening first and then providing recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
While there is no way to completely prevent melanoma, limiting your sun exposure greatly reduces your risks. When you are not in a situation where you can avoid UV rays altogether, wearing proper SPF and protective clothing is crucial to maintaining healthy skin.
If left untreated, melanoma can spread quickly and potentially become deadly. So long as you see a doctor for early melanoma treatment in Fort Lauderdale, excising the cancerous skin cells completely will stop melanoma’s growth and can save your life.
Why Concierge Medicine?
CARE BENEFITS | Galt Dermatology & Concierge Medicine |
Traditional Medicine |
Type of Care | Proactive care; focuses on preventing health issues before they arise. | Reactive care; typically addresses problems as they occur. |
Patient Volume | Limited patients for personalized care | Manages 2500-4000 patients, less personalized |
Appointment Access | Same-day/next-day appointments, unlimited access | Weeks to schedule, limited by office hours |
24/7 Availability | Direct 24/7 access to care via phone, text, and telehealth | Access mostly during business hours. |
Appointment Length | Longer, detailed sessions focused on comprehensive care | Short, often rushed visits focused on immediate issues |
Insurance Handling | No insurance hassles; services covered by membership fee. | Dealing with insurance claims and coverage. |
Preventive Care | Emphasizes early intervention and wellness | Limited scope for personalized preventive care |
Personalization | Tailored health management based on in-depth patient knowledge | Less personalized due to patient volume and time limits |
Health Monitoring | Continuous monitoring with advanced tech | Reactive, with limited monitoring |
Health Outcomes | Better outcomes due to proactive care | Varies, dependent on patient proactivity |
Mental Health Support | Integrated mental health support | Often requires external referrals |
Healthcare Navigation | Assists with healthcare decisions and coordination | Patients manage their own specialist referrals |
Cost Transparency | Clear cost structures, no unexpected bills | Unpredictable cost due to insurance |