Brevard Skin and Cancer Center features board-certified dermatologists and experienced medical professionals dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of hair, skin and nail conditions. In the September 2015 issue of SpaceCoast Living HEALTH, we wrote, “Healthy, beautiful skin is viewed as an outward sign of good health and wellness.” Unfortunately, skin cancer is very prevalent in Florida and much of the Brevard Skin and Cancer Center’s resources are directed towards the timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of skin cancer.
The Doctors and Their Perspectives
Dr. Richard Kirkpatrick joined Brevard Skin and Cancer Center in 1993. He attended the University of Miami School of Medicine and completed his medical internship and dermatology residency at the Naval Hospital of San Diego in California. Kirkpatrick is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, and a member of the Florida Society of Dermatologic Surgeons.
“In the United States, there are about five and a half million cases of skin cancer every year. That’s more skin cancers than breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung, and colon cancer combined.
About one in five Americans will develop skin cancer and about half of all Americans will develop basal cell skin cancer or squamous cell carcinoma by the age of 65,” Kirkpatrick said. There are more cases in the South in general, in Florida specifically because there is a concentration of retirees and an older population. “And more sun, so it’s probably a combination of factors,” he said. About 90 percent of skin cancers are basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers classified as non melanoma skin cancers associated with ultraviolet light exposure.
Kirkpatrick offers, “If you regularly use sunscreen SPF 15 or greater, then your risk of any skin cancer will be greatly reduced. Use an SPF 15 regularly and apply it properly. If you’re going be outdoors for any length of time, SPF 30 would be more appropriate. There are convenient sticks, sprays, and creams to apply sunscreen, but use physical blockers also. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves. Plan your activities early or go out later. Try to avoid the middle of the day.”
HEALTH TIP: Learn to apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outdoors, then reapply every hour and a half to keep the sunscreen effective. Use a golf ball size amount of sunscreen to cover your skin.
Dr. Mario Sequeira joined Brevard Skin and Cancer Center in 1998. He completed his medical degree from the University of Miami where he was a member of the accelerated Medical Scholars Program. He went on to complete his internship in internal medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago and residency in the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami. In addition, Sequeira finished a post-graduate fellowship in Dermatologic Cosmetic Surgery in Morristown, New Jersey, under the auspices of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Sequeira is a voluntary Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Sequeria tells us, “Brevard Skin and Cancer Center is a full-service dermatology, dermatologic surgery and cosmetic center. We treat all aspects of skin health from common skin rashes to skin malignancies. We also perform reconstructions, cosmetic procedures and enhancements to improve the appearance of the skin.” The center utilizes Mohs surgery, or a specialized microscopically-controlled technique to remove skin cancers and test them while the patient waits (see sidebar). The goal is a higher cure rate and a smaller surgical scar. Because the technique allows the doctors to process all the skin edges for what they call ‘full margin control,’ their cure rate is around 99 percent. This is the ideal technique in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, eyelids, nose, and ears, or anywhere reconstruction can be difficult.
Dr. Andrew Miner earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern. After an internship in internal medicine at Baylor University Medical Center, Miner completed his dermatology training at the University of Miami. Next Miner worked as a dermatologist and specialized in Dermatopathology at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. Miner practices general and cosmetic dermatology in addition to Mohs surgery and also interprets biopsies of skin growths and rashes in the microscope.
“It’s very common to take a biopsy of a lesion or growth that we’re uncertain about to get more information. Our in-house laboratory can get that done quickly and accurately. It adds another dimension to the practice that is a good benefit for our patients.”
According to Miner, the future of medicine involves people wanting access in real-time to their providers about their diagnosis and care. “People want greater access and we’re able to provide good access and quick appointments because we work together with our physician assistants and nurse practitioners to allow people to get in to see us when they need us.” The future also involves more preventative maintenance and preventative care. People don’t want to wait until they have a skin cancer. They want to know what to do to lower their risks now.
“We’re now offering photodynamic therapy or PDT, which is a treatment for precancerous lesions called actinic keratosis. We are at the forefront of being able to manage lesions in the precancerous stage. Photodynamic therapy can treat precancerous lesions that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Our Aesthetic Center
Fonda Schreiber graduated from Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant studies. She is certified by the National Commission of Physician Assistants. “We have patients that come in annually for skin check-ups so we’re regularly scanning for abnormal moles, and early skin precancerous and cancerous conditions. While they’re here I’m also educating them on proper sun protection and preventative treatments like photodynamic therapy.”
Schreiber also works on the aesthetic side of the center. “Aesthetics are definitely more treatment than prevention. Obviously, we know the sun causes freckles, wrinkling, pigmentation changes, even broken blood vessels. We also see the effects of environmental exposure to pollution and cigarette smoking. We’ll suggest topical solutions that will help prevent further damage.” The center has a full line of skincare products that can be tailored to the patient’s skin. “Some of the services that I perform aesthetically include neurotoxins such as Botox and Dysport to relax the lines and wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes.”
Cristine Cook is the Paramedical Aesthetician and CCE, CME laser technician at the Aesthetic Centers of Brevard, a division of Brevard Skin and Cancer Center. She earned her Associate of Science in Paramedical Skincare, Electrology and Aesthetician licenses from the Florida College of Natural Health in Maitland. She is laser certified by the ICHRC’s CCE and CME.
“Most treatments I perform are laser hair removal and a variety of results-driven, medical-grade skin treatments such as Dermaplane exfoliation, superficial to deep depth chemical peels, acne treatments, Retinol treatments and Dermapen micro-needling or collagen induction therapy,” Cook offers. These treatments clear acne, soften fine lines, smooth texture, reduce pore size and lift discoloration. For those who desire a lighter, more relaxing treatment, the center offers European-spa-style facials as well. “Our recommendation is to incorporate individualized skincare regimens for use at home and often combine multiple in-office treatments or modalities to maximize results. Fonda Schreiber and I work closely as a team so our patients benefit from the culmination of our expertise.”
Dr. Miner ended our discussions with this, “I think our practice has the mindset that we’re always looking to the future as far as the real medical and aesthetic needs of our patients, and we’re always asking how we can better meet them. As Brevard County grows, I expect us to continue to grow as well, and to be a leader in providing better ways for people to have healthy skin. Our trademark is, “Healthy Skin, Healthy You,” and that’s what we believe about our skin and cancer center.”
About our Practice
Brevard Skin and Cancer Center has been helping Florida residents overcome the dermatological challenges that come with living in the Sunshine State since 1964. Its team of board-certified dermatologists and experienced medical professionals are dedicated to the diagnosis, education, prevention, and treatment of hair, skin and nail conditions. The center is also home to a full-service aesthetic clinic with a staff of professional medical aestheticians to keep your skin’s healthy glow year around. Three centers serve Brevard County. Visit www.BrevardSkin.com for more information and current specials.
Viera
8059 Spyglass Hill Rd. #103, Viera FL 32940
321-752-5994
Rockledge
1286 S. Florida Ave., Rockledge, FL 32955
321-636-7780
Titusville
4500 S. Hopkins Ave., Titusville, FL 32780
321-267-3376w
