Skin cancer is, in essence, the out-of-control growth of abnormal skin cells. Skin cancers most often develop due to mutations due to unrepaired DNA damage from UV rays. These mutations can trigger skin cells, making them multiply rapidly and lead to malignant tumors. The three major types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Factors that may mean a higher risk for skin cancer include the following:
There are many forms of skin cancer. Some are quite deadly if not treated in the early stages. Others spread more slowly and are less likely to be fatal; however, they can be disfiguring. The types of skin cancer include:
The cure rate for skin cancer is nearly 100% if it is caught early and treated accordingly.
While MOHS surgery is the best treatment option for skin cancer, there are several to choose from:
Squamous cell carcinoma: Cryosurgery, curettage, ED&C, excision, laser treatment, MOHS surgery, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy
Basal cell carcinoma: Cryosurgery, curettage, ED&C, excision, laser treatment, MOHS surgery, topical treatments, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy
Melanoma: Excision or MOHS surgery (early on). When the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes (stage 3) or distant (4), treatments include immunotherapies, oral medications, and/or radiation
Between professional screenings, you should monitor your skin for changes or new lesions. The most common signs of skin cancer can be remembered as “ABCDE.” When examining a mole or other lesion, ask yourself if any of the following apply:
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that approximately 20% of all Americans will develop at least one skin cancer over a lifetime. Dr. Ostad encourages patients at his office to perform regular self-checks and undergo professional skin cancer screenings regularly. Often, the trained eye of a dermatologist can identify skin cancers long before you may notice anything, making regular screenings essential. For most patients, annual screening is sufficient. However, if you are at high risk or have a history of skin cancer, Dr. Ostad may recommend more frequent screenings.
Generally, skin cancer screening in New York is simple and noninvasive. If Dr. Ostad identifies a suspicious lesion, it will be biopsied. This involves removing a tiny tissue sample and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. If it is diagnosed as cancerous, treatment will be scheduled immediately. Dr. Ostad performs MOHS micrographic surgery, a precise skin cancer treatment in which cancerous cells are removed one layer at a time. MOHS has the highest cure rate and causes the least cosmetic damage.
In addition to his outstanding skills, Dr. Ostad has a compassionate, caring demeanor with a warm, pleasant manner, holding great value in his patients’ trust of his skills and vein treatments.
Skin cancer develops when mutations occur in the DNA of skin cells. These mutations cause the cells to grow out of control and form into a mass of cancer cells. Much of the skin DNA damage leading to skin cancer is a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. However, the fact that skin cancers can develop on skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight indicates that other factors, such as exposure to toxic substances or conditions that weaken the immune system, may also be contributing factors.
Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.
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897 Lexington Ave. New York, NY 10065
212-517-7900 
