Protect Your Health With Skin Cancer Screening in Queens
Early Detection and Treatment in Forest Hills
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Paltiel, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist | 17+ Years Experience | Last Updated: May 2026
Quick Facts About Skin Cancer Screening
Here's what to know about evaluation and care.
Lead Provider
Dr. Michael Paltiel, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Types Evaluated
Basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma, atypical moles, actinic keratoses, Merkel cell.
Diagnostic Method
Visual exam, dermoscopy, biopsy if needed.
Screening Frequency
Average risk annual. High risk every 6 months. Self-exam monthly.
Treatment Options
Excision, cryotherapy, topical medications, and photodynamic therapy. Mohs surgery coordinated with a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon when indicated.
Insurance Coverage
Typically covered as medically necessary. Staff verifies coverage.
When Should You Get a Skin Check?
Match your situation to the right next step.
If you have a new or changing mole, what should you do?
Apply the ABCDE rule (asymmetry, irregular border, multiple colors, diameter over 6mm, evolving over time). If any apply, schedule a mole evaluation at our Forest Hills office. Schedule a mole evaluation
If you have a sore that does not heal, what should you do?
Schedule a prompt skin evaluation. Sores that fail to heal or spots that bleed without injury can be early signs of skin cancer and benefit from quick assessment. Request an urgent evaluation
If you have a family history of skin cancer, how often to screen?
Annual full-body skin cancer screenings are recommended. Some patients with multiple risk factors may benefit from screenings every 6 months. Schedule your annual skin check
If you have fair skin, many moles, or sunburn history, how often to screen?
Annual full-body screenings are recommended. Dr. Paltiel will assess your individual risk profile and may suggest a more frequent cadence. Monthly self-examinations at home are encouraged between visits.
If you have had a prior skin cancer diagnosis, what is the recommended screening frequency?
Screenings every 6 months are typical for patients with prior skin cancer, with full-body checks and dermoscopy. Your specific cadence depends on cancer type and treatment history.
If you have an unusual growth and want it evaluated quickly, what should you do?
A quick visual exam plus dermoscopy often clarifies concern in one visit. If a biopsy is needed, pathology returns in 1 to 2 weeks. Schedule a skin evaluation
If you need skin cancer treatment, what options are available?
Options include excision, cryotherapy, topical medications, and photodynamic therapy. Treatment is selected at consultation based on diagnosis; Mohs surgery is coordinated with a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon when indicated.
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about a mole or skin lesion, please schedule a consultation with our team.
Skin Cancer Screening & Treatment at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology
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.
Start Your Transformation
Schedule your consultation today and discover how our expert team can help you achieve your aesthetic and skin health goals.
Skin Cancer Patient Reviews from Forest Hills
What are the types
of
skin cancer?
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.
Meet Your Forest Hills Skin Cancer Specialist
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.
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual needs.