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Precancerous Mole, Melanoma Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention

Skin cancer is a disease that changes lifestyles of men, women, young and old. One in five Americans will develop a type of skin cancer at some point in life.

Fraxel Re:store Dual is a non-invasive resurfacing system used to treat wrinkles, loose skin, sun damage and even pre-cancerous lesions before they become life threatening. The Fraxel laser treats the skin by fractionally treating microscopic sections of the skin at the time, while stimulating the skin’s natural repair system for creating healthier tissue to replace damaged cells. This leaves behind a newer, tighter and cancer-free layer of skin.

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar was the first to introduce Fraxel Laser technology to the United States and medical community after working with a prototype for over a year, giving him unparalleled experience.

Although basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in the United States, it is also slow-growing and rarely metastasizes (spread to other areas of the body). However, if left untreated, BCC will continue to grow, invade and destroy the surrounding skin and tissues beneath the skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer in the United States. The most common cause of SCC, like BCC, is the overexposure of ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds. SCC can develop anywhere along the body, however the most prevalently exposed areas, such as the head, neck, hands, shoulders, and lower legs are the most common.

MOHS Micrographic surgery is the most effective way to treat basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Physicians who can perform MOHS surgery, such as Dr. Rokhsar, must be specially licensed with one additional year of training.

The most dangerous type of skin cancer is melanoma, which accounts for more than 9 to 12-thousand skin cancer deaths each year, and can appear on any area of the body. It typically resembles a mole, however if the pigmentation of the area is not uniform or if the diameter is greater than 6 millimeters, it should be examined by a dermatologist.

There are precancerous lesions that patients should also be aware of, one lesion is called actinic keratosis. It forms as scaly spots, most commonly found on the face and back of the hands of those with fair skin. People with fair skin have lower levels of pigment, which means, less protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Dysplastic nevi syndrome is also a type of precancerous melanoma, which occurs as the overdevelopment of abnormal mole cells. This reaffirms the importance of regular checkups for skin cancer with a licensed dermatologist, in order to catch cancer cells before metastasis through the body.

About author - Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar

Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.

Learn more about Dr. Rokhsar | Dr. Rokhsar's Google Scholar