Skin Cancer Monitoring | NYC

Detecting skin cancer as early as possible is the key to increasing the likelihood of successful treatment. It is for this reason that Doctors Gary and Kristina Goldenberg always stress to their patients the importance of being informed of the signs and symptoms associated with the disease. It’s recommended that all adults have a full skin examination once yearly.

Patients at high risk, or those with a history of skin cancer or dysplastic nevi (abnormal moles), need even more frequent visits. Regularly checking yourself for skin cancer through an at-home screening is also important. While everyone should screen themselves regularly, there are some individuals who have an increased risk of getting skin cancer and should, therefore, screen themselves more frequently.

Goldenberg Dermatology provides special expertise in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer. Common skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer has been one of the most significant advances in dermatologic surgery in the past decade. When detected early and removed promptly and early on, skin cancer is more likely to be cured.

RETURN TO SKIN
CANCER MAIN PAGE

Skin Cancer
Screening
Manhattan

Detecting skin cancer as early as possible is the key to increasing the likelihood of successful treatment. It is for this reason that Doctors Gary and Kristina Goldenberg always stress to their patients the importance of being informed of the signs and symptoms associated with the disease. It’s recommended that all adults have a full skin examination once yearly.

Patients at high risk, or those with a history of skin cancer or dysplastic nevi (abnormal moles), need even more frequent visits. Regularly checking yourself for skin cancer through an at-home screening is also important. While everyone should screen themselves regularly, there are some individuals who have an increased risk of getting skin cancer and should, therefore, screen themselves more frequently.

Goldenberg Dermatology provides special expertise in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer. Common skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer has been one of the most significant advances in dermatologic surgery in the past decade. When detected early and removed promptly and early on, skin cancer is more likely to be cured.

RETURN TO SKIN
CANCER MAIN PAGE

Skin Cancer Screening

Skin Cancer – Who is at a Higher Risk?

Though skin cancer sometimes develops spontaneously, there are several risk factors that can increase one’s chances of developing the condition. These risk factors include:

Increased exposure to the sun. People with a history of sun exposure, and especially sunburn before the age of 18, are at higher risk.
Those that enjoy the outdoors (without UV protection) put themselves at an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
The use of tanning beds. Use of tanning beds have been proven to increase the risk of skin cancer and melanoma, especially in younger patients.
People with light skin/blue/green eyes or blond/red hair have been statistically shown to be at a greater risk.
A genetic disposition. If skin cancer runs in your family, you are more likely to have the disease.

Our doctors know firsthand that being aware of these risk factors can potentially be the difference between life and death. They cannot stress enough the importance of applying a protective layer of sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days and even in the wintertime. The sun’s harmful UV rays do not disappear just because you cannot see them!

What To Do If You Suspect Skin Cancer

If you suspect that you may have skin cancer because of a spot or skin growth you have noticed, follow these steps:

Remain calm. The most natural reaction is to worry and become overly anxious, but at this point, there is no confirmation that the skin cancer actually exists.
Do not pick at the spot/growth. Irritation can cause the growth to bleed and hurts instead of helps treatment.
Schedule a consultation appointment at Goldenberg Dermatology with or a dermatologist in your area. Getting a professional opinion is crucial.

At Goldenberg Dermatology in Upper East Side Manhattan, our doctors are board-certified dermatologists and have specialized knowledge in dermatopathology. They are experienced in detecting and treating skin cancer and are fully equipped to conduct your professional screening.

Goldenberg Dermatology is the first in the United States and NY to feature Nevisense. By combining visual examination and dermoscopy, our physicians can also use this advanced technology to thoroughly examine abnormal cells with this procedure. Nevisense is designed to detect atypical lesions and early-stage melanomas, improving diagnostic accuracy and potentially preventing unnecessary biopsies.

Our doctors strongly believe in developing a patient-doctor relationship and treat each of their patients as a person with individual concerns. Our doctors understand that a skin cancer diagnosis can be an uneasy time for their patients and their family members. If you have a changing or suspicious mole or spot, or you think you may have skin cancer, contact our NYC office directly at (212) 241-9728, and schedule your visit for the earliest date possible.

Skin Cancer Self Exam

Examine your body front and back in the mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised.

Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms, and palms.

Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.

Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair for a closer look.

Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

Our doctors recommend that each of their patients conduct a self-screening for skin cancer about once a month. The examination can be done at home, fully nude in front of a full-length mirror. Patients can check for signs themselves, or ask a relative or close friend to assist in checking areas that are harder to see like the back of the neck or the scalp.

When conducting a test for skin cancer, you are basically checking for any unusual spots or discoloration. Depending on the type of skin cancer, these spots can range in shape, size, and color. Spots can be lumpy, firm, thick, or crusty, and can even start to bleed when picked at. Be sure to check everywhere- including the bottom of your feet, under your nails, and on the insides of your toes and fingers.