Protecting Your Skin Year Round with Comprehensive Skin Cancer Screenings in Fort Lauderdale

Living in South Florida means enjoying beautiful sunshine all year long. However, constant sun exposure also means we must stay vigilant about our skin health. 

At Leading Edge Dermatology, we help you protect your skin with personalized care. Dr. Elyse Julian and our team provide comprehensive adult dermatology services. We serve patients at our offices in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Plantation, FL.

Do you need a professional skin cancer screening?

 Many people believe that every adult needs a standard annual full-body skin check. However, national guidelines emphasize a more personalized approach. The US Preventive Services Task Force found that current evidence is insufficient to recommend routine visual skin exams for all asymptomatic adults.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all rule, your screening schedule should match your unique risk. The American Cancer Society recommends discussing an individualized plan with your doctor based on your personal sun exposure and risk factors. 

At our medical dermatology center, we help you evaluate your risk. We look at your skin type, family history, and past sunburns to build a custom plan. If we find a concerning spot, we also offer advanced skin cancer surgery options.

What happens during a professional mole check?

A professional exam is much more detailed than checking your skin in a mirror. Our dermatologists use a specialized handheld tool called a dermatoscope. This tool uses cross-polarized light to look beneath the surface layer of your skin.

This technology makes a significant difference in finding skin cancer early. According to a 2025 study in JAMA Dermatology, dermatologists using dermoscopy had 5.7-fold higher odds of accurately diagnosing melanoma compared to a visual exam alone.

To help us perform the most thorough exam, you can take a few simple steps before your visit. We recommend removing all makeup and nail polish before you arrive. This allows us to check your face and nail beds, where skin cancers can sometimes hide. 

How can you monitor your skin at home?

Regular self-exams are an excellent way to stay proactive between office visits. The American Cancer Society recommends checking your own skin once a month to spot new or changing marks.

When you perform a self-exam, look for the "ugly duckling" sign. Most of your normal moles will look similar to one another. An "ugly duckling" is a spot that looks completely different in size, shape, or color compared to your other moles.

If you notice an outlier spot or a changing mole, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Our team at Leading Edge Dermatology examines any concerning spots and gives you peace of mind.

Protecting your skin in South Florida is a year-round commitment. Whether you need a routine mole check or want to discuss your personal risk factors, we are here to help. Please contact our team today to schedule your appointment at our Fort Lauderdale or Plantation office.

Leading Edge Dermatology

Leading Edge Dermatology provides comprehensive medical, surgical, pediatric, cosmetic, and skin cancer dermatology services in Florida. We're proud to serve the greater Fort Lauderdale area, including Sailboat Bend, Croissant Park, Riverside Park, Victoria Park, Tarpon River, Rio Vista, Los Olas, Los Olas Isles, Idlewyld, and Harbour Isles of Fort Lauderdale.

On staff are Elyse Julian, DO, FAAD; Benjamin Kahn, MD; Paloma Reiter, DO; Alana Willis, PA-C; and Natalia Prieto, PA-C. Our team provides individualized dermatologic care for patients of all ages, with services including skin cancer detection and treatment, acne treatment, hair loss treatment, pediatric dermatology, cosmetic treatment, treatment for eczema or psoriasis, and general dermatology care.