Skin Cancer Prevention and Treatment Options

by Isaac Starker, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States – and it’s also one of the most treatable forms when detected and treated early. Here at the Peer Group in northern New Jersey, our plastic surgeons have experience with all the plastic surgery procedures available to treat skin cancer. But just as important, The Peer Group team provides clients with expert advice on how to minimize the chances of developing skin cancer in the first place.

Skin cancer involves abnormal growths of skin cells, and occurs most frequently on skin exposed to the sun. Factors such as fair skin, moles, a weakened immune system and age can also increase the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer can often be identified as a new or changed growth on the skin that may appear on the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands or legs. The appearance of the growth depends on the type of cancer, but among the common symptoms are a pearly or waxy bump, a flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, or a mole that changes shape or color. It is important to see your doctor if you notice these or any other skin changes. If you are consulting with a specialist about plastic surgery, bring this condition to the attention of the plastic surgeon.

Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, size and location of the tumor. Most options involve removing the entire growth, a procedure that usually requires only a local anesthetic in an outpatient setting. Although most treatment for skin cancer is successful, new tumors can still form. Therefore, you should practice preventive measures such as using sunscreen and wearing a hat in the sun, and seeing your doctor for skin checks on a regular basis. Treatments to improve the health and quality of the skin, to lessen the likelihood of developing additional skin cancers should be considered. You can also perform skin checks on yourself to spot any changes as soon as possible. Treatment may leave you with scarring or other cosmetic problems that can be treated with restorative plastic surgery, also called scar revision. If you live in Passaic, Hunterdon or Sussex County or anywhere in northern new Jersey, our team of skin care specialists at The Peer Group includes specialists in aesthetic plastic surgery for skin cancer patients. If you have questions about treatment options, call or email us to schedule an appointment today.

Tags: skin cancer causes, skin cancer prevention, skin surgery options

This entry was posted on Friday, January 6th, 2012 at 1:30 pm and is filed under skin cancer, skin cancer treatments, skin treatments. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.