Protect Your Health With Skin Cancer Screening in Queens
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting more than 9,500 people every day. The three main types – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma – develop when skin cells are damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. At Adult & Pediatric Dermatology in Forest Hills, Queens, Dr. Michael Paltiel performs thorough full-body skin examinations to detect suspicious lesions early, when treatment is most effective. Early detection of skin cancer dramatically improves outcomes. Any changing mole, new growth, or lesion that bleeds or does not heal warrants prompt evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist.
Early Detection & Expert Exams in Forest Hills
Skin Cancer
About 1 in 5 US residents will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Fortunately, it’s possible to manage and even reverse skin cancer with early diagnosis and treatment. At Adult and Pediatric Dermatology in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York, the team of medical dermatologists boasts years of experience diagnosing and treating various kinds of skin cancer. Call the office today or click the online booking feature to make an appointment at the practice.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a group of diseases that cause your skin cells to divide uncontrollably. It typically occurs due to excessive exposure to sunlight. But it can also develop on areas of your body rarely exposed to the sun’s UV rays.
There’s no way to entirely prevent skin cancer. But you can significantly lower your risk by regularly inspecting your skin and wearing sunscreen when you go outside.
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Schedule your consultation today and discover how our expert team can help you achieve your aesthetic and skin health goals.
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What are the types
of
skin cancer?
Most Major
Insurances Accepted
Most Major Insurances Accepted
Please call our office if you do not see your insurance plan listed below. If your insurance plan requires you to obtain a referral from your primary care doctor, please obtain one prior to your visit or call our office to ask if a referral or authorization is needed for your insurance. If referral is not available at the time of the visit, your appointment will be rescheduled.
Who is at risk of skin cancer?
Anyone can experience skin cancer, but several things can increase your risk, including:
- Having fair skin
- History of sunburns
- Excessive sun exposure
- Moles
- Precancerous skin lesions
- Family history of skin cancer
- Weakened immune system
You’re at greater risk of developing skin cancer if your job exposes you to toxic chemicals like arsenic.
How is skin cancer diagnosed?
To diagnose skin cancer, our provider will review your medical history and ask about your symptoms, including when they first started and if at-home treatments provide any relief.
Next, they examine your skin from head to toe, carefully assessing any abnormal growths, moles, or lesions. If an exam doesn’t provide enough insight into your symptoms, your provider might also collect a skin biopsy. To do that, they remove a small sample of your skin and send it to a lab for microscopic analysis.
Choose Your Provider
Meet our team of board-certified specialists dedicated to your skin health and beauty
Michael Paltiel,MD
Dermatology
Zina Goldvekht, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Aleksey Babakhanov, FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
John Perrotti, MD
Plastic Surgery
Irma Meni
Cosmetologist
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer
Q: What are the main types of skin cancer?
A: The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common and are usually highly treatable when detected early. Melanoma is less common but more aggressive.
Q: What are the warning signs of skin cancer?
A: Warning signs include new or changing moles, spots that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, uneven color, are larger than a pencil eraser, or are evolving in size, shape, or color. Any non-healing sore or lesion that bleeds, crusts, or persists should be evaluated.
Q: How often should I get a skin cancer screening?
A: Adults should have a full-body skin examination by a dermatologist at least once a year. Those with a history of skin cancer, many moles, or significant sun exposure may need more frequent screenings. Monthly self-examinations are also recommended.
Q: What happens during a skin cancer screening?
A: During a screening, your dermatologist will perform a thorough visual examination of your entire skin surface, looking for any suspicious moles, spots, or lesions. If anything concerning is found, a biopsy may be recommended for further evaluation.
Q: How is skin cancer treated?
A: Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the cancer. Options include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, topical medications, radiation therapy, and in some cases, immunotherapy. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Q: Can skin cancer be prevented?
A: While not all skin cancers can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by wearing sunscreen daily, seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds, and having regular skin checks with your dermatologist.
How is skin cancer treated?
At Adult and Pediatric Dermatology, treating skin cancer varies depending on several things, including the size, kind, and site of your cancerous lesions. The team might recommend:
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
- Excisional surgery
- Mohs surgery
- Curettage and electrodessication
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Biological therapy
The treatment goal is to stop the cancerous cells from spreading and prevent a recurrence.
If you’re concerned about your risk of skin cancer, make an appointment at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
