Skin Cancer NYC Dermatology Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Gary Rothfeld Manhattan, New York

Skin Cancer Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Another type of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous but less common. Dr. Rothfeld Board Certified Dermatologist at NYC Dermatology and Skin Institute has over 20 years of experience in treating and diagnosing skin cancer of all forms. Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is more common in people who Spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned Have light-colored skin, hair and eyes Have a family member with skin cancer Are over age 50 Sun Protection NYC attracts many people because there many days of each year of blue skies and sunshine. While it is wonderful that we can enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise (hopefully!) in the process, we also need to be aware of the long term affects of the sun. Here is what you need to know about sun protection to avoid being one of the 500,000 people in this country each year who are diagnosed with skin cancer. Enjoy the Sun When going outside always use a sunscreen. The higher the SPF rating of the sunscreen, the longer you can stay out before re-applying the sunscreen. What is SPF? SPF is an acronym for Sun Protection Factor. Take the amount of time it would take to burn without sunscreen (UV Index) and multiply it by the sunscreen's Sun Protection Factor to figure out how long you can be outside with sunscreen. For example, if it will take 15 minutes to burn today without sunscreen, and you use an SPF 8 product, you can say outside 2 hours without burning (8 x 15= 120 minutes or 2 hours). Is It That Simple? No, of course it isn't! Sun Protection Factor numbers serve as a guideline. How sunscreen affects and protects you that depends on your skin type, the strength of the sunlight, the type of sunscreen you use (gel, cream, lotion, or oil), and the amount you apply. In general, don't be skimpy when applying your sunscreen, and reapply it after you have been sweating or swimming. What If I Have Blue Eyes? People who sunburn easily are more likely to develop skin cancer. If you have blue eyes, blonde hair, red hair or get freckles in the sun, you are at greater risk and should take even more care to protect your skin from the sun. And remember--90% of all skin cancers occur on parts of the body that are not protected by clothing like your face, ears and hands. When Is the Sun Most Dangerous? In sunny climates you are at the greatest risk for sunburn and need the most sun protection between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you happen to be outside on one of NYCs' cloudy days, don't think you are safe from the sun! Up to 80% of the ultraviolet rays of the sun that burn you are getting through those clouds. Is It Safer To Tan in a Tanning Booth? No. Doctor Rothfeld says that the UVB and UVA radiation from sun lamps and other tanning devices can be dangerous. What Else Can I Do To Protect Myself? It is very important to check your skin regularly to see if you notice any changes in your skin. See your doctor if you notice any changes in moles you might have or if a sore on your skin does not heal. The Four Warning Signs of Cancer These "ABCD" guidelines are commonly used to help you be aware of the warning signs of cancer: A is for Asymmetry--one half of a mole is different than the other. B is for Border irregularity--mole has poorly defined edges. C is for Color variations--inconsistent colors on the mole. D is for Diameter--larger than a pencil eraser. At any of these signs you should see your Board Certified Dermatologist at NYC Dermatology Dr. Gary Rothfeld. Will I Die If I Get Skin Cancer? There are 3 types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and it is likely that your doctor can cure it. Squamous cell carcinoma, if detected early, can be cured. Melanoma is the worst and could result in death. With a family history of melanoma, you could get it even if you've never been out in the sun. A Healthy Suntan! There's really no such thing says Dr. Rothfeld , NYC Skin Doctor. It may look good now, but spending too much time in the sun without sun protection and burning your skin will, at best, age your skin prematurely, and at worst, lead you down the path to skin cancer. Next time you see someone who looks fair and pale, admire her! She is caring for her skin, and she'll be healthier for it in the long run. You should have Dr. Gary Rothfeld, Board Certified Dermatologist at NYC Skin Doctor Institute check any suspicious skin markings and any changes in the way your skin looks. Treatment is more likely to work well when skin cancer is found early. If not treated, some types of skin cancer cells can spread to other tissues and organs. National Cancer Institute Start Here Skin Cancer Skin Cancer Risk: Understanding the Puzzle(National Cancer Institute) What You Need to Know about Skin Cancer(National Cancer Institute) Overviews Skin Cancer( Skin Cancer (PDQ): Treatment(National Cancer Institute) What Is Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer? Latest News Diets High in Meat Boost Skin Cancer Risk Gene Expression Profiling in Mice Can Predict Risk of Skin Lesions Progressing to Cancer(05/20/2007, National Cancer Institute) People Still Ignore Skin Cancer Warnings Less Sun a Better Bet Than Sunscreens More News on Skin Cancer Diagnosis/Symptoms Biopsy: What to Expect Diagnosis and Treatment How Is Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Diagnosed? How Is Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Staged? If Cancer Is Suspected Skin Examinations Treatment Chemotherapy: What Every Patient Should Know Cryosurgery in Cancer Treatment: Questions and Answers(National Cancer Institute) FDA Approves New Drug for Skin Cancer, Zolinza How Is Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Treated? Immunotherapy: What It Is and How It Can Help Fight Cancer Merkel Cell Carcinoma (PDQ): Treatment(National Cancer Institute) Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma(American Cancer Society) Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma(American Cancer Society) Prevention/Screening Can Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Be Prevented?(American Cancer Society) Skin Cancer (PDQ): Prevention(National Cancer Institute) Skin Cancer (PDQ): Screening(National Cancer Institute) Skin Cancer: Saving Your Skin from Sun Damage Disease Management What Will Happen After Treatment for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer?(American Cancer Society) Specific Conditions Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Questions and Answers(National Cancer Institute) Periocular Skin Cancer -- Skin Tumors Around the Eye Related Issues FAQs about Actinic Keratoses and Skin Cancer Golfers and Skin Cancer(American Cancer Society) Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer What Are the Risk Factors for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer?(American Cancer Society) What Should You Ask Your Doctor about Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer?(American Cancer Society) When to See a Dermatologist Pictures & Photographs Basal Cell Carcinoma: What It Looks Like Skin Types and At-Risk Groups Squamous Cell Carcinoma: What It Looks Like What Do Actinic Keratoses Look Like? Health Check Tools Skin Cancer Risk: Understanding the Puzzle(National Cancer Institute) Tutorials Skin Cancer Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Carcinoma, Basal Cell(National Institutes of Health) ClinicalTrials.gov: Carcinoma, Merkel Cell(National Institutes of Health) ClinicalTrials.gov: Skin Neoplasms(National Institutes of Health) Genetics Gadd45a Prevents Skin Tumors by Watching over p53(National Cancer Institute) Learning about Skin Cancer(National Human Genome Research Institute) Research Emerging Therapies for Skin Cancer Treatment More Young Patients Hearing “You Have Skin Cancer” What's New in Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Research and Treatment? Journal Articles Article: How they do it better. Protection from the sun. Article: Pacman flap method. Article: Microscopic margins and results of surgery for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Skin Cancer -- see more articles Dictionaries/Glossaries Dictionary of Cancer Terms(National Cancer Institute) Organizations National Cancer Institute American Cancer Society National Cancer Institute Skin Cancer Foundation Statistics 2007 Skin Cancer Fact Sheet What Are the Key Statistics about Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer? ABCDs of Skin Cancer Early Superficial Spreading Melanoma Amelanotic Malignant Melanoma SKIN CANCER Dr. Gary Rothfeld, Skin Cancer Doctor, at NYC Skin Doctor and NYC Dermatology Description A malignant growth or tumor on the skin that tends to grow and spread. There are three basic types of skin cancer, described as follows: Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma Basal cell carcinoma, occurring mostly on the face, neck and hands, is usually a slow-grower and may be scaly, flat or raised. It often crusts and bleeds, but does not heal or go away completely. Squamous cell carcinoma, typically appearing on the face, hands and ears, appears as a reddish/pink scaly bump. It may begin as a pink or red crusted area. Malignant melanoma is the most serious of skin cancers. It usually begins as a light brown or flat, black spot with irregular borders that later can become red, blue or white. It may start in an existing mole or as a new flat freckle with irregular borders. Cause Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Source of information: AAD) According to the AAD, over exposure to ultraviolet light (from the sun and indoor tanning lights) is the greatest risk factor for skin cancer. They state that ultraviolet radiation causes almost all cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer, and sun exposure is a major cause of skin cancer. Excessive sun exposure during the early years (birth through age 18) increases the risk of melanoma by threefold. Caucasians are 20 times more likely than African-Americans to develop malignant melanoma. Fair-skinned people have twice the risk of developing melanoma as olive-skinned people. Redheads and blondes have a two to four time increased risk of developing melanoma. There is an increased risk of nine times for individuals that have already had one melanoma. People with many or large moles on their bodies have a substantially higher risk of melanoma. Those with a history of melanoma in their family have a higher risk of developing melanoma themselves. Who is affected? Early Superficial Spreading Melanoma One out of every five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Half of all cancers diagnosed is skin cancer. It is estimated that 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year in the United States. Of these, 80% will be basal cell carcinoma, 16% will be squamous cell carcinoma and 4% will be melanoma. In 1998 it is estimated, 1 in 82 Americans have a lifetime risk of developing melanoma. This increases to 1 in 75 by the year 2000. In 1998 new cases of melanoma increased by 3% over 1997. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma have a better than 95% cure rate if detected and treated early. Treatment MOHS Surgery Cutaneous Surgery What Can Be Done? Nodular Melanoma The most important way to reduce the risk of some types of skin cancer is to reduce the exposure to ultraviolet light and radiation. This can be done by avoiding the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (This is not always a practical or realistic solution). Wear protective clothing - long-sleeves, hats, sunglasses. (This is not always a practical or realistic solution). Many different types of surgical procedures are used to remove melanomas and most basal and squamous cell carcinomas. The treatment chosen depends upon the type of skin cancer, the area of the body affected, the depth of the lesion, and the experience and training of the skin cancer doctor involved.

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NYC Dermatology - Manhattan Dermatology - Skin Institute of New York - Skin Cancer Doctor- NYC Cosmetic Dermatology- Cosmetic Dermatological Surgery - New York City - Board Certified Dermatologist

Manhattan Office

Dr. Gary Rothfeld
NYC Dermatology - Board Certified Dermatologist - New York, NY
30 E. 60th St. Ste. 805
Manhattan, New York 10022
212.644.9494
1.800.BLEMISH

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