May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in America, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year. With summer right around the corner, it is a good time to reinforce the importance of getting regular skin cancer screenings.
At JUVA Skin & Laser Center, our experienced dermatologists use a device called a dermatoscope to examine any questionable spots on your skin. A dermatoscope is a small tool that uses polarized light to evaluate suspicious moles or freckles without scalpels or scarring. In the video below, Dr. Katz discusses how this device can prevent unnecessary biopsies.
At JUVA Skin & Laser Center we also offer photodynamic therapy to treat some precancerous skin concerns. During treatment, a medication is applied to your skin and then activated with a special light. Photodynamic therapy is effective at treating actinic keratosis, a scaly patch that appears on the skin after years of sun exposure. Actinic keratosis can become cancerous, so it is often removed as a precaution.
Everyone can benefit from routine skin cancer screenings. To be prepared for your exam, you should expect to:
- Arrive with clean, bare skin and nails. This allows our dermatologist to evaluate any potential problem areas that may otherwise be covered by cosmetics.
- Have a thorough examination, as skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, even in areas that are not exposed to the sun.
- Have any moles examined, though skin without a mole can still be susceptible to skin cancer.
- Mention any specific areas that you are concerned about.
Contact Our Manhattan Dermatologists Today
Early detection of skin cancer is key to successful treatment. Schedule a skin check appointment with our experienced dermatologists today at (212) 688-5882. We serve NYC, Manhattan, Woodside, the New York area, and worldwide.
Category: Medical Dermatology
