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The Skin and Cancer Center of New York
The Corinthian Building
345 East 37th Street
Suite 317
New York, NY 10016
The American Skin and Cancer Center
25 First Avenue
Suite 113
Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
West Coast Skin and Cancer Medical Center
7055 North Fresno Street
Suite 310
Fresno, CA 93720
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Skin Cancer
Treatments
How do I know if I have skin cancer?
Only a doctor is capable of identifying cancer on the skin. Cancer of the
skin is the most common type of all human cancers, and it is important to
have one’s skin periodically screened for the presence of skin cancer.
Identifying and treating skin cancer as early as possible is important
because, for example, early treatment may prevent the spread of cancer.
Dr. Babar K. Rao is an expert in the identification of skin cancer and
utilizes non-invasive techniques for identifying skin cancer. There are
several varieties of skin cancer, each of which has a different
appearance, and some skin cancers closely resemble common, benign, skin
lesions. Skin cancer is found on every aspect of the skin, and the scalp
and the nails.
Skin cancer is nothing more than a collection of abnormally dividing cells
in the skin. They may or may not be pigmented, and they may grow only
slowly over a period of months, or they may grow more quickly. Some skin
cancers develop in the form of a lump, and some are flat and not
appreciable by touch. While some malignancies of the skin may bleed, itch,
or form an ulcer, other skin cancers may not be bothersome in any respect.
A safe rule of thumb is that all growths on the skin should be seen at
least once by a physician to rule out the possibility of skin cancer.
How is skin cancer treated?
The type of cancer found will determine the treatment options. There are
several treatment options for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell
carcinoma, which are the two most common skin cancers. In general, a
physician must take a biopsy of the growth and examine the cells under a
microscope before diagnosing and treating skin cancer. At times, the
removal of the growth for biopsy also serves as the treatment of the
lesion. However, in certain limited instances, biopsy may be completely
avoidable and the cancer treated by topical application of either
imiquimod or 5-Fluorouracil cream. In other cases, the cancers may be
treatable with either a CO2 laser, radiation therapy, or a process called
photodynamic therapy. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are
also treatable by freezing the cells, or burning and scraping away the
cells after the application of numbing medicine to the skin. If the cancer
presents in certain areas, such as the face, a special procedure called
Moh’s surgery may be necessary to help prevent recurrence and achieve the
best cosmetic result.
Melanoma is another type of skin cancer that deserves special attention.
Treatment of melanoma depends on the stage of cancer at the time of
diagnosis. Complete surgical excision is usually the standard of care, and
the size of the excision may depend on the thickness of the cancer.
Removal of one or more lymph nodes is sometimes indicated. In other cases,
the administration of interferon may be useful in the treatment of
melanoma.
Other tumors of the skin exist, and treatment options will be guided by
the type of tumor detected by the dermatologist.
What do I need to know if I have had skin cancer in the past?
Patients who have had skin cancer sometimes develop recurrent cancer in
the original location or in a distant location. Patients who have had skin
cancer may also develop independently derived cancers elsewhere on the
skin. The new cancers may look nothing like the old cancers. This
possibility make it imperative that anyone with a history of skin cancer
visit a dermatologist at least yearly for a complete skin check. In some
instances, more frequent follow up is recommended.
If you have any questions about skin cancers or any of our dermatology or
dermatopathology procedures please feel free to contact Board Certified
Dermatologist, Board Certified Dermatopathologist, Babar K. Rao, MD, FAAD
at his Manhattan, New York, Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, or Fresno,
California offices.
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