Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer in Lenox Hill, NY

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, affecting one in five people in the US, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Fortunately, our team of dermatologists at Penstein Dermatology are experts at diagnosing and treating skin cancer. 

dermatologist examining skin on patient

Different Types of Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, and they vary in severity, depending on which layers of skin are involved, and the type of skin cancer cells present. The three most common types of skin cancer are:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma affects the upper layers of the skin, where squamous cells are located
  • Basal cell carcinoma affects the deeper layers of skin, where basal cells are located
  • Melanoma, which can be deadly and is the most aggressive form of skin cancer 

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

You are at greater risk of developing skin cancer if you:

  • Have fair skin and freckles
  • Have light eyes and hair
  • Sunburn easily
  • Spend a lot of time out in the sun

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Some of the most common signs of skin cancer occur in moles. You should look for moles that are:

  • Large, with a diameter greater than 6 millimeters
  • Irregularly shaped, with uneven borders
  • Itching, oozing, or bleeding
  • Growing back after the previous removal

Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Cancer

Our dermatologist can diagnose skin cancer by taking a small tissue sample and checking for cancerous cells. The process is known as a biopsy. Depending on the type and degree of skin cancer, our dermatologist may recommend these treatments:

  • Cryosurgery – freezing cancerous cells
  • Curettage and desiccation – scraping and applying electric current to kill cancerous cells
  • Mohs micrographic surgery – removing cancerous tissue layer-by-layer and examining each layer under a microscope
  • Radiation therapy – to kill cancerous cells
  • Surgical excision – to cut out the cancerous cells
  • Chemotherapy – to treat malignant melanoma

Prevention of Skin Cancer

You can do a lot to prevent skin cancer by wearing sunscreen when you are outside. You should:

  • Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day
  • Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 if you are outside for an extended time
  • Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 if you have fair skin and sunburn easily
  • Try to avoid being out in the sun during the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, when UV rays are the most damaging
  • Do a self-check of your skin regularly looking for abnormal moles and other suspicious areas

When you are out in the sun, you need to protect your skin! To learn more about prevention, symptoms, and treatment of skin cancer, call the experts at Penstein Dermatology in Lenox Hill, NY. You can reach our dermatology team at (212) 517-5171 , so call now!

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