Skin Cancer Doctor | Manhattan

How Doctors Prevent, Screen & Treat Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when detected early.

Raising awareness about skin cancer, understanding how to prevent it, recognizing its signs and symptoms, and knowing the importance of regular screening and effective treatment options are crucial steps in combating this disease.

At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan, our board-certified dermatologists are committed to providing comprehensive skin cancer care, from prevention to screening and treatment. In this article our skilled and experienced Manhattan skin cancer doctors explain the types of skin cancer and what you can do to prevent and treat it.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are three primary types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Each type varies in terms of severity, appearance, and potential to spread.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. BCC originates in the basal cells, which are found in the lowest layer of the epidermis. Basal Cell skin cancer typically appears as a small, shiny bump or nodule on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, and shoulders. BCC grows slowly and rarely metastasizes, but it can cause significant local damage if not treated promptly.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) the second most common type of skin cancer, making up about 20% of cases. It arises from the squamous cells in the upper layers of the epidermis and often appears as a firm, red nodule, or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. SCC can develop on any part of the body but is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas. Unlike BCC, Squamous Cell Carcinoma has a higher potential to spread to other parts of the body if not treated early by a skin cancer doctor.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Although it accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancer cases, it can be deadly if not caught and removed promptly by a qualified and experienced skin cancer doctor. Melanoma originates in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, often starting as a mole that changes in size, shape, or color. It can spread rapidly to other organs if not caught early, making it the leading cause of skin cancer-related deaths.

Current Statistics on Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is highly prevalent in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed by doctors each year. In 2022, it is estimated that there were almost 100,000 new cases of melanoma and about 7,650 deaths from melanoma.

The prognosis for skin cancer varies depending on the type and stage at diagnosis. For non-melanoma skin cancers (BCC and SCC), the cure rate with early detection and treatment by a skin cancer doctor is very high, often exceeding 95%. Melanoma, when detected early, also has a high survival rate; the five-year survival rate for localized melanoma is about 99%. However, the survival rate drops significantly if the cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes (66%) or distant organs (27%).

Early detection and treatment by a skin cancer doctor like the board-certified dermatologists at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan, is crucial for successful treatment, underscoring the importance of regular skin cancer screenings.

Doctors Explain Signs & Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of skin cancer can lead to early diagnosis and a better chance of complete recovery. Here are some common indicators:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) typically appears as pearly or waxy bumps, flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesions, and bleeding or scabbing sores that heal and return.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), however, often presents as firm, red nodules, flat lesions with a scaly or crusted surface, or persistent sores that don’t heal.

When identifying Melanoma, skin cancer doctors urge you to memorize the “ABCDE Rule”:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
• Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• Color: The color is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, or other colors.
• Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Preventing Skin Cancer

Doctors emphasize that prevention is the best strategy against skin cancer. Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, seek shade whenever possible, and avoid tanning beds. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Limit your exposure during these hours.

Perform monthly self-exams to check for new or changing moles or skin lesions. Be thorough, checking all areas of your body, including the back, scalp, and soles of the feet. If you notice anything at all suspicious, schedule an evaluation with an experienced skin cancer doctor, like the board-certified dermatologists at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan.

Skin Cancer Doctor Screening

Regular skin cancer screenings by a dermatologist are crucial for early detection. During a screening, a board-certified dermatologist at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan will examine your skin from head to toe, looking for any suspicious moles or lesions. They may use a dermatoscope, a special magnifying tool, to get a closer look at the skin’s surface.

For individuals at higher risk, such as those with a history of skin cancer, fair skin, a large number of moles, or a family history of melanoma, more frequent screenings may be recommended. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly improve treatment outcomes, ensuring that the cancer is eliminated and does not spread, and reduce the risk of severe complications or death.

How Doctors Treat Skin Cancer

The treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer.

For small or superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma, cryotherapy may be used by your skin cancer doctor. This treatment uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy cancerous cells. In some cases, topical creams or ointments containing anti-cancer agents can be applied to the skin to treat very early-stage or pre- BCC and SCC.

Surgical Excision involves cutting out the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy skin. It is often used for Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Mohs Surgery is a precise surgical technique used by skin cancer doctors to remove BCC and SCC, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face. It involves removing the cancer layer by layer and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.

For advanced melanoma, immunotherapy drugs can also be used by your skin cancer doctor to help boost the body’s immune system to fight the cancer. And Targeted Therapy using drugs to target specific genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells may be used for advanced melanoma with specific genetic mutations.

Best Skin Cancer Doctor | Manhattan

Skin cancer is a serious but highly treatable condition, especially when detected early and treated thoroughly by a skilled and experienced skin cancer doctor like the board-certified dermatologists at Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan.

By understanding the different types of skin cancer, recognizing the signs and symptoms, taking preventive measures, and undergoing regular screenings, you can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer. At Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan, our doctors are dedicated to providing comprehensive skin cancer care, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment.

Contact Goldenberg Dermatology in Manhattan to schedule your skin cancer screening and take the first step toward protecting your skin and overall health.

Top Manhattan Skin Cancer Doctor: 212-405-8202