Early Detection Skin Cancer Screening in NYC by Dr. Jaliman

Regular skin cancer screenings are essential for early detection and prevention. These routine check-ups allow for the identification of suspicious moles or lesions before they become more serious, making them a key part of proactive healthcare. With a full range of dermatologist-led skin exams and personalized consultations available in New York City, Dr. Debra Jaliman stresses the importance of consistent monitoring—especially for individuals with fair skin, a history of sun exposure, or a family history of skin cancer.

Prioritizing regular screenings can lead to earlier diagnoses, more effective treatment options, and better long-term outcomes.

Early detection of skin cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when melanoma is identified in its early stages, the five-year survival rate is approximately 98%. Regular skin cancer screenings with a board-certified dermatologist can help catch abnormal moles or lesions before they become dangerous.

By being proactive with routine skin checks, you can detect changes early, begin treatment promptly, and greatly improve your outcome. Dr. Debra Jaliman emphasizes that early detection truly saves lives—don’t wait to take control of your skin health.

While melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common types and often present differently than suspicious moles.

These non-melanoma skin cancers may appear as:

• A pearly or waxy bump, often pink, red, or translucent
• A scaly, crusty patch that does not heal
• A firm red nodule or lump
• A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion
• A sore that heals and then returns repeatedly

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas commonly develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, scalp, neck, and hands but can appear anywhere on the body. Although generally less aggressive than melanoma, untreated BCC and SCC can cause serious tissue damage and may spread to surrounding areas.

Regular skin cancer screenings in NYC with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Debra Jaliman can help identify these cancers early, ensuring timely and effective treatment.

Surgical excision is one of the most commonly used and effective treatments for skin cancer. This procedure involves carefully cutting out the cancerous lesion, along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue, to ensure that all cancer cells are fully removed. It is often recommended for treating basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and early-stage melanoma.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly precise and effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer, offering one of the highest cure rates available. During the procedure, thin layers of cancerous skin tissue are removed and examined under a microscope in real time. This process continues layer by layer until only cancer-free tissue remains.

Mohs surgery is especially effective for:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• Tumors located in cosmetically sensitive or high-risk areas, such as the face, neck, ears, or hands

This technique is ideal for preserving surrounding healthy skin, minimizing scarring, and ensuring complete cancer removal with maximum precision.

Cryotherapy is a quick, in-office skin cancer treatment primarily used to target precancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses. This technique involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze abnormal skin cells. After treatment, the damaged tissue naturally sloughs off as the skin heals.

Cryotherapy is ideal for:

• Actinic keratoses (rough, scaly patches caused by sun damage)
• Select superficial basal cell carcinomas
• Other precancerous skin growths

This minimally invasive procedure requires no stitches and has little downtime, making it a popular choice for treating sun-damaged skin and preventing the progression to skin cancer.

Topical treatments are a non-invasive option for certain superficial skin cancers and precancerous skin conditions like actinic keratoses. These prescription creams or gels are applied directly to the skin and work over several days or weeks to eliminate abnormal or sun-damaged cells.

Common Topical Skin Cancer Treatments:

• 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): A widely used chemotherapy cream that destroys precancerous cells and treats superficial basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma in situ. It often causes redness, peeling, or irritation but delivers highly effective results.
• Imiquimod: An immune response modifier that stimulates your body’s own defenses to fight cancerous and precancerous lesions. It’s frequently used for actinic keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinoma.
• Klisyri (Tirbanibulin): A newer, FDA-approved treatment for actinic keratoses on the face and scalp. Klisyri is a 5-day topical therapy that disrupts cancer cell growth with fewer side effects and minimal downtime, making it a popular option for patients seeking a shorter treatment course.

Topical medications are most effective when prescribed and monitored by an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Debra Jaliman, who tailors treatment to your skin type and condition severity.

When skin cancer has penetrated deeper layers of the skin or spread to nearby lymph nodes, more extensive surgical treatment may be necessary. This goes beyond standard excision and may involve:

• Lymph node removal to assess and prevent further cancer spread
• Deep tissue excision to eliminate cancer that has infiltrated underlying structures

These procedures are typically recommended for advanced basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma cases. Early detection and treatment by an experienced skin cancer specialist like Dr. Debra Jaliman can often prevent the need for more invasive measures.

When skin cancer becomes advanced or metastatic, additional treatments beyond surgery may be necessary. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are two effective options used to treat more aggressive or widespread skin cancers.

Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to precisely target and destroy cancer cells. Typically delivered in a hospital setting, it is often used for:

• Skin cancers in difficult-to-operate areas (such as around the eyes, nose, or ears)
• Patients who are not surgical candidates due to health or age
• Post-surgical radiation to reduce the risk of recurrence

This treatment is backed by clinical research and may be part of a comprehensive skin cancer treatment plan led by a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Debra Jaliman.

Chemotherapy for Skin Cancer

Chemotherapy involves the use of systemic drugs to destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. It’s typically used in:

• Advanced skin cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or internal organs
• Metastatic melanoma or aggressive squamous cell carcinoma

Chemotherapy can have side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and immune suppression, so ongoing monitoring with blood tests is essential throughout treatment.

Recent advances in skin cancer treatment—particularly for melanoma—have introduced more personalized and effective approaches, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy. These treatments are especially beneficial for patients with advanced skin cancer or cancers that do not respond to traditional methods.

Immunotherapy for Skin Cancer

Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body’s own immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. It offers a more precise approach and typically causes less harm to healthy tissue. This innovative treatment is primarily used for:

• Advanced melanoma
• Recurrent or treatment-resistant skin cancers
• Patients not eligible for surgery or radiation

Dr. Debra Jaliman stays current with the latest immunotherapy protocols to ensure her patients receive the most advanced care options in New York City.

Targeted Therapy for Melanoma

Targeted therapy focuses on blocking specific genetic mutations or abnormal proteins found in certain melanoma cells. These therapies slow or stop cancer growth with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Targeted therapy is ideal for:

• Melanoma with identifiable mutations (such as BRAF mutations)
• Patients seeking personalized, precision-based treatment options

With access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools and personalized treatment planning, Dr. Jaliman offers effective options for even the most complex skin cancer cases.

A skin cancer screening is a full-body visual examination performed by a dermatologist to check for signs of skin cancer, such as atypical moles, lesions, or unusual growths. The goal is early detection of skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

During the screening, your dermatologist will examine your skin from head to toe using a bright light and sometimes a dermatoscope. They’ll look for abnormal moles or growths. If something suspicious is found, a biopsy may be recommended.

A full-body skin exam typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your skin type and the number of moles or lesions present.

It’s generally recommended to have a skin cancer screening once a year, especially if you have risk factors such as fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.

Anyone can benefit, but screenings are especially important for people with light skin, many moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, or frequent sun exposure.

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a dermatologist for a skin cancer screening—especially in New York City. You can book directly with a board-certified dermatologist.

Warning signs include new growths, changing moles, or spots that bleed, itch, or don’t heal. The ABCDEs of melanoma—Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving—are important indicators.

Yes. Skin cancer can develop in areas not regularly exposed to sunlight, such as the scalp, under fingernails, soles of the feet, and even the genital area. That’s why a full-body skin check is essential.

You can reduce your risk by using broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, wearing protective clothing, and getting regular skin exams. Early detection is the best prevention.

If your dermatologist suspects a lesion may be cancerous, a skin biopsy will be performed. It’s a quick in-office procedure using local anesthesia. Results are usually available within a week.

If cancer is confirmed, your dermatologist will discuss treatment options. Most cases are treated with minor surgery, such as excision or Mohs surgery. Early-stage detection often leads to a complete cure.

No. A skin cancer screening is painless. It’s a non-invasive, visual inspection of the skin and does not involve any discomfort unless a biopsy is needed afterward.

Yes. A skin exam is completely safe during pregnancy. In fact, it’s recommended, as hormonal changes can affect moles and pigmentation.

Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, cover skin cancer screenings when deemed medically necessary. It’s best to confirm coverage with your provider before the appointment.

Avoid wearing makeup, nail polish, or body lotion. Remove jewelry and wear loose-fitting clothing to allow easy access for a full-body exam. Make a note of any moles or spots you’re concerned about.