A sunny outlook for your health in Jupiter, FL: Proactive skin cancer care

Dr. Peter A. Vitulli

Skin Cancer Care at A Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery inJupiter Florida Area

Our corner of the Miami metro “universe” lives up to the state’s “sunny” nickname. We are fortunate to call a tourist destination our home. It is nice to enjoy outdoor activities year-round, and there is no denying the mood-boosting benefits of a dose of sunshine. But, with the prevalence of sunshine, comes responsibility. As a Board-certified dermatologist trained in the “gold standard” Mohs Micrographic Surgery treatment, Dr. Peter Vitulli encourages proactive skin cancer care in Jupiter, FL at a Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery. A suspicious spot is not something that you want to ignore. So, the foundation for not only skin health but overall health is built on professional skin checks at our center, scheduled at least once a year.

The darker side of the sun

One of every 10 Floridians have been diagnosed with skin cancer. California and Florida, respectively, also lead the country in the number of new cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Every person is vulnerable to skin cancer; we all have melanocytes or cells that produce melanin pigment when our unprotected skin meets ultraviolet light from the sun’s rays or from artificial sources such as tanning lamps. The increased melanin appears as a darkening of the skin. So, a tan is really your body’s way of protecting itself. Patches of discoloration, such as freckles and “age spots,” represent concentrated clusters of melanin.

Any changes to existing spots, or new ones, should be monitored closely during self-checks at home and professional checks at A Center for Dermatology’s office. Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common type of skin cancer. They develop in the lowest part of the epidermis, tend to grow slowly, and may look like white, flesh-colored or pink bumps, and scaly reddish patches. Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs) account for about 20 percent of all skin cancers and originate in the outermost epidermis. Generally, more invasive than BCCs, SCCs may appear as firm and red nodules, or sores that are rough, scaly, and/or raised. Accounting for 1 percent of all skin cancers, melanomas originate in those melanocyte cells that give skin its color. Melanoma tends to spread to deeper parts of the skin and other areas of the body. Potential red flags to watch for include:

Spots that are asymmetrical, one side does not match the other
Patches that have uneven borders
Spots featuring more than one color
“Moles” that are around the size of a pencil eraser (or larger)
Changes to moles, such as sudden itching or pain

The sooner Dr. Vitulli can detect cancer that may be present, the earlier we can move forward with appropriate treatment. Even the “deadliest” form of skin cancer, melanoma, has a 98 percent 5-year survival rate when detected early, before it has spread to other areas. Generally, a chance to cut is a chance to cure, and Dr. Vitulli is a trained Mohs surgeon. This precision treatment is appropriate for BCCs, SCCs, and some melanomas, especially cancers that are in prominent areas (such as the face) or those that have recurred. The procedure involves removing a small amount of tissue, little by little, until no cancer cells are detected.

Schedule your evaluation today. Call A Center for Dermatology in Jupiter, FL at 561-427-2000.

A Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Dr. Peter Vitulli

A Center for Dermatology
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Dr. Peter Vitulli is a highly sought-after and popular board-certified dermatology and board-certified Mhs surgeon in Jupiter. Having earned his medical degree at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of Nova SouthEastern University, he completed his residency and internship at the University of Tennessee and attended a dermatology residency program at Nova SouthEastern University. Dr. Vitulli possesses vast training and experience in all aspects of pediatric and adult dermatology and offers comprehensive treatment solutions with an interdisciplinary diagnosis approach and impeccable follow-up care. He is particularly passionate about the management of skincare. With over two decades of experience in providing exceptional surgical and aesthetic services and medical care, he holds Fellowships and Memberships with several prestigious professional associations including the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and the American Society of Mohs Surgery, among others.