Expert Skin Cancer Screening in NYC by Dr. Jaliman

Regular check-ups are vital for maintaining proactive healthcare, particularly when it comes to skin cancer prevention. With a wide range of screening options and expert consultations available, staying ahead of potential issues ensures your health remains a top priority. Dr. Jaliman emphasizes the importance of these screenings, especially for individuals at higher risk of developing skin cancer.

Early detection of skin cancer is key to improving outcomes, as emphasized by the American Academy of Dermatology. Studies show that when melanoma is caught in its early stages, it has an impressive 98% five-year survival rate. By staying proactive with regular skin cancer screenings, you can identify potential issues before they become serious, giving you the best chance for effective treatment and a positive outcome. Early detection saves lives—take control of your skin health today.

Melanomas aren’t the only dangerous type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer, and they often appear differently than suspicious moles.

These types of cancer may look like:

• A pearly or waxy bump, often pink or red
• A scaly, crusty patch that doesn’t heal
• A firm red nodule
• A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion
• A sore that heals and then returns

These cancers often develop on areas exposed to the sun, like the face, ears, scalp, neck, or hands, but they can appear anywhere on the body. Though they are usually less aggressive than melanoma, they can still cause serious tissue damage or spread if untreated.

This is one of the most widely used treatments. It involves cutting out the cancerous lesion along with a margin of healthy skin to ensure all cancer cells are removed.

Mohs surgery is known for its precision and high cure rate. During the procedure, thin layers of cancer-containing skin are removed and examined one at a time until only cancer-free tissue remains. Mohs surgery is ideal for:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Tumors in cosmetically sensitive or high-risk areas like the face, neck, or hands

This technique preserves healthy surrounding skin and minimizes scarring.

Used mainly for pre-cancerous growths like actinic keratoses, this treatment freezes abnormal cells with liquid nitrogen, causing them to fall off over time.

For some superficial skin cancers and precancerous conditions like actinic keratoses, topical medications can be a non-invasive and effective treatment option. These treatments are usually applied directly to the skin at home and can target abnormal cells over a period of weeks.

Common Topical Therapies Include:

• 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): A widely used chemotherapy cream that destroys sun-damaged cells and superficial basal or squamous cell carcinomas. It may cause redness and peeling but is highly effective.
• Imiquimod: This immune response modifier boosts the skin’s natural defenses to destroy cancerous and precancerous cells. It is often used for actinic keratoses and certain superficial basal cell carcinomas.
• Klisyri (Tirbanibulin): A newer topical prescription medication specifically approved for the treatment of actinic keratoses on the face or scalp. It is a fast, five-day treatment that works by disrupting cancer cell growth with minimal downtime. Klisyri is well-tolerated and often preferred by patients who want a shorter treatment duration and fewer side effects.

If cancer has spread deeper into the skin or reached nearby lymph nodes, more invasive surgery may be required. In these cases, lymph node removal or deeper tissue excision might be necessary.

When skin cancer has advanced or spread beyond the skin’s surface, additional treatments may be needed.

Radiation Therapy

Delivered in a hospital setting, radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It’s especially beneficial for:

• Cancers in hard-to-reach areas
• Patients who are not candidates for surgery
• Post-surgical treatment to reduce recurrence

Radiation is often supported by clinical research and may be part of a broader treatment plan.

Chemotherapy

This systemic treatment involves using drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells throughout the body. It’s generally used for:

• Advanced or metastatic skin cancer
• Cases where cancer has reached lymph nodes or internal organs

Side effects can include fatigue, nausea, and immune suppression, so regular blood tests are required to monitor your health during treatment.

Recent breakthroughs have brought forward innovative, more personalized treatments for skin cancer, particularly melanoma.

Immunotherapy

This approach activates the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It can be more precise and less damaging to healthy tissue compared to traditional methods. Immunotherapy is used primarily in:

• Advanced melanoma
• Cases that do not respond to surgery or radiation

Targeted Therapy

This treatment focuses on specific genetic mutations or proteins within cancer cells. Medications are designed to interfere with cancer growth while limiting harm to surrounding healthy tissue. It’s a highly effective option for certain types of melanoma with identifiable mutations.