May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The highly skilled dermatologists at Metropolitan Dermatology specialize in detecting basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, as well as various rare skin cancers. We welcome the opportunity to provide some answers to the most commonly asked questions about skin cancer.
Who is most likely to get skin cancer?
Unfortunately, skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. Factors that contribute to the incidence of skin cancer include, but are not limited to, excess exposure to UV radiation from sunlight or use of indoor tanning, developing sunburns, having blonde or red hair, a weakened immune system, and a family history of skin cancer.
What are the most common types of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the first and second most common forms of skin cancer and are highly curable. If BCCs and SCCs are neglected, they can spread and ultimately kill. Fortunately, most patients choose to undergo timely treatment, sparing themselves severe complications.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and may appear on the skin suddenly or can develop within an existing mole. If untreated, melanoma can spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body (known as metastasis) and is potentially fatal. However, if detected and treated early, melanoma has a high cure rate.
How is skin cancer treated?
The selection of the treatment method depends on multiple factors (some of which are related to the tumor and some are specific to the patient). Some cancers can be treated with electrodesiccation and curettage (“scrape” technique). For others, excision is warranted. Some low-grade cancers can be treated with a cream called imiquimod, thus avoiding surgery. A more specialized tissue sparing technique called Mohs surgery is also commonly used. During the Mohs procedure, the surgeon removes any visible skin cancer along with some additional tissue around the tumor for detailed analysis.
After the initial removal, a piece of skin is frozen and examined under a microscope in thin slices. If any cancer remains, the surgeon returns to remove any remaining cancer roots. Because tissue is only removed where cancer is present, the precise layering leaves the smallest wound and scar possible. Metropolitan Dermatology is a home of four highly experienced Mohs surgeons: Drs. Elena Maydan, Alex Doctoroff, Aton Holzer and Marc Handler.
Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT) is a nonsurgical skin cancer treatment that uses low levels of X-ray energy to kill cancer cells and allow normal tissue to grow back in its place. For many people dealing with skin cancer, Image-Guided SRT can be a highly effective treatment option without the downtime, side effects and scarring sometimes associated with surgery. There are several different radiation-based technologies for the treatment of skin cancer. Cure rates and cosmetic outcomes vary based on the technology and protocol. We use only Image-Guided SRT with an adaptive radiotherapy protocol, because both the cure rate and cosmetic results are superior to other radiation-based options. IG-SRT is available in our Belleville and Hillsborough, New Jersey locations.
How can I help prevent skin cancer?
The easiest way to decrease your chance of developing skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays and avoid tanning beds. When outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. We recommend mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. You have to look at the sunscreen labels to see the list of active ingredients. There is no specific brand offering only mineral sunscreens. In fact, often brands have sunscreen products with chemical ingredients and other products with minerals. There is no way around it: you have to look at the label.
For skin cancer detection, have your skin checked annually by a board-certified dermatologist, a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner, or a dermatology trained, certified physician assistant. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends regular self-skin checks at home, using the ABCDEs of skin cancer, which stands for asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolution. If you discover anything on your skin that has changed between your annual skin checks, make an appointment to see your dermatologist.
The pursuit of academic and clinical excellence informs every step at Metropolitan Dermatology’s 20 offices in central and northern New Jersey and Staten Island, New York. Our group was founded 20 years ago by Dr. Doctoroff, an affiliate of the world-renowned Columbia University and New York Presbyterian Hospital. Our well-trained staff provides thorough treatment for the full spectrum of dermatologic conditions, including skin cancer treatment. We are accepting new patients and offer same day appointments.
