Skin Cancer Specialist

Adult and Pediatric Dermatology > Our Services > Skin Cancer

Adult and Pediatric Dermatology

Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Dermatology located in Forest Hills, NY

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.

Skin Cancer Q & A

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.

What are the types of skin cancer?

The Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team treats several kinds of skin cancer, including:

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma affects the skin cells that produce new cells as your old ones die off. This skin cancer typically occurs on the face, head, and neck.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a skin cancer that affects the cells that produce melanin. It’s the most severe skin cancer and can spread quickly. Melanoma is seen mainly in people under 40, particularly women.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma affects your squamous cells –– cells found in the outer layer of your skin. It typically isn’t life-threatening, but it can spread quickly without early diagnosis and treatment.

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, your Adult and Pediatric Dermatology provider reviews your medical history and asks 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.

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.