A cancer diagnosis can be frightening and overwhelming for anyone, but fortunately, with early diagnosis and treatment, skin cancer is most often the easiest form of the disease to treat. If you’re facing a skin cancer diagnosis or have noticed a skin abnormality, it’s important to trust your skin to a dermatologist with expertise and experience in successfully treating skin cancer using the latest, most effective techniques.
If you or someone you love has an abnormal growth or have received a skin cancer diagnosis, the choices concerning care can be difficult. Contact Bradley S. Bloom, MD in New York City today for an accurate diagnosis, second opinion or treatment plan to get the best chance for long-term outcomes and a cure. Dr. Bloom, a fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon, has extensive experience treating skin cancer using the most advanced treatments available, including Mohs surgery. Contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation.
Expert Skin Cancer Care with Dr. Bloom
There are three main common types of skin cancer that can vary in their severity and symptoms. Since each type of skin cancer has unique symptoms, they require specific, targeted treatments to be effective. The three most common types include:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed type of skin cancer. Most often, basal cell carcinoma appears as an asymmetrical blemish or sore that does not heal and may have a crust or bleed. Typically, this type of skin cancer is benign (non-cancerous) but if left untreated it can cause damage to the affected tissue.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer and most often appears on the face and neck. Squamous cell carcinoma may look like shiny, waxy patches of skin or small red or white bumps. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can cause significant damage to tissue and/or internal organs.
Malignant Melanoma
The third most common type of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, is also the most serious. Malignant melanoma will most often initially appear as a mole that has changed in size, color or shape. Fortunately, if caught early enough, this potentially life-threatening skin condition can be successfully treated.
Advanced Skin Cancer Treatments
Topical Medications
Topical medications, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod or ingenol mebutate, are great options for treating actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous lesions) or superficial forms of skin cancer. Topical medications have the benefit of being able to treat large areas and can eliminate the cancer cells at the surface of the skin. It is critical to have a consultation and decide on the appropriate treatment plan.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
In this two-part skin cancer treatment, a special chemical called a photosensitizing agent is applied to the affected area for several hours. After this period, the treated area is exposed to a PDT light, which can successfully eradicate the abnormal cells.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a ground-breaking skin cancer procedure that has shown to have the highest reported cure rate. Not only does Mohs surgery allow for targeted, precise treatment, but it allows healthy tissue to be spared, minimizing the amount of scarring that occurs following the procedure.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Evaluation Today
If you’ve experienced an abnormal growth or have received a skin cancer diagnosis in New York, contact Dr. Bloom to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.
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