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special feature ║ GOLD COAST DERMATOLOGY CENTER
GOLD COAST DERMATOLOGY CENTER
Early Detection Is Prevention By Diane Feen
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photos by melissa korman
November is National Healthy Skin Month and Dr. Danielle Manolakos wants everyone to know that they should get a full body skin exam every year.
The reasons are quite simple. “One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. But the good news is that with early diagnosis there is over a 90 percent survival rate for Melanoma. The best part is that we’re getting better at diagnosing skin cancer at its earliest stage,” said Dr. Manolakos, board-certified dermatologist. The reason for Dr. Manolakos’s optimism is that there are tools available to help make the diagnosis earlier. One such tool is the use of dermatoscopy, which is a non-invasive handheld light and magnifying glass. “This is essentially skin surface microscopy. With this tool I can look at a deeper pattern of a mole than with normal vision to help diagnose skin cancer earlier which means we can start treatment earlier.” The good news about skin cancer, according to Dr. Manolakos, is that it is often not as devastating as other forms of cancer as long as it is diagnosed and treated early. But, skin Lauren Kalina performs microneedling
76 November 2015 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com
Dr. Danielle Manolakos and her staff at their new office in Delray Beach
cancer is the most common form of cancer. And, you don’t have to be in the sun to get it, which is why Dr. Manolakos urges everyone to get a yearly skin exam. During the exam the doctor will also educate you on what to look for in changes to your skin and how to protect yourself (with a discussion of sunscreen use). “If you have a spot that is bleeding, scaling or has a scab it’s not normal and you should come in for an evaluation. Everyone should know the ABCDE’s of skin cancer.” When detecting skin cancer the A is for asymmetrical
spots, the B is for borders that have jagged edges, the C is for multiple colors, the D is for diameter (it shouldn’t be larger than a the tip of a pencil) and E is for evolving (the spot changes). These are all potential signs of Melanoma. Gold Coast Dermatology Center treats all conditions that are related to skin, hair and nails, as well as cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Dr. Manolakos’ enthusiasm and passion for dermatology is what has garnered her with a stellar reputation. To accommodate her patients she has recently