What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is tissue, which grows at an uncontrollable and unpredictable rate. There are three main forms of skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. The names refer to the cells of origin of the skin cancer.
Is It Dangerous?
The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both types enlarge locally from their point of origin and usually do not spread (metastasize) to distant parts of the body. If not completely removed, both types will frequently invade and destroy structures in their paths of growth. Compared to other forms of cancer, these types of skin cancer are generally recognized in their early stages and are therefore more easily cured.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
The cause of skin cancer, like other forms of cancer, is not completely known. Excessive exposure to sunlight is the single most important factor associated with the development of these skin cancers, which appear most commonly on the face and the arms (the most sun-exposed parts of the body). Fair-skinned people develop skin cancer more frequently than dark-skinned people. Skin cancer, unlike cancer of the other organs, is rarely found in African Americans.
Skin cancer also tends to be hereditary and occurs very frequently in certain ethnic groups, especially those with fair complexions such as Northern Italians and Celtics (especially Irish). Other possible factors contributing to the development of skin cancer include x-rays, trauma and certain chemicals.
How Does Skin Cancer Start?
Skin cancer begins in the uppermost layer of the skin and grows downward, forming roots, spreading horizontally along the surface of the skin. Unfortunately, these extensions cannot be directly visualized. Therefore, what is apparent to the naked eye on the surface of the skin actually may be only the "tip of the iceberg".
How May Skin Cancer Be Treated?
There are several methods of treating skin cancer, all highly successful in the majority of patients.
These methods include excision (surgical removal) and suturing (sewing); curettage and electrodesiccation (scraping and burning with an electric needle); cryosurgery (freezing); topical chemotherapy (chemical destruction); and Mohs (microscopically controlled excision). The method chosen depends on several factors, such as the location of the cancer, its size and previous therapies.
How Do I Get Started?
Dr. Goldberg and his staff will be happy to discuss skin cancer prevention and treatments with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation or Schedule an appointment online at one of our office in New York, New Jersey, or Boca Raton.
The staff is wonderfully attentive and kind.
