There are several types of skin cancer, the most common being Basal Cell Carcinoma. This type most often occurs on the sun-exposed areas of the skin and may look like an open sore, reddish patch, or waxy growth with an elevated border and central indentation. Treatment of Basal Cell cancer includes excisional surgery, electrosurgery, microscopically controlled surgery, and radiation.
The second most common type of skin cancer is Squamous Cell Carcinoma. It also occurs most often on sun-exposed skin and may look like a scaly red patch with irregular borders, a wart-like growth, or an open sore. These cancers may bleed easily if bumped or disturbed. Treatments for this type of cancer include excisional surgery, electrosurgery, radiation, and microscopically controlled surgery.
The most dangerous type of skin cancer is Melanoma. This may occur on any area of the body and may resemble a mole, but there are important differences. If you notice changes in a mole you should contact a physician immediately. A melanoma may present as an asymmetrical lesion with an irregular border. If the color or pigmentation of the area is not uniform, or if the diameter of the area is greater than six millimeters, these are also danger signs.
An important aspect of detecting skin cancer early is performing self-exams of your skin. Make sure you have good light, either a full-length mirror (or a small chair or stool) and a hand mirror.
First, examine the face: pay special attention to the eyes (even behind the ears), lips, nose, and ears. Using a hand mirror will help you see both sides of the face.
With a hand mirror, check the scalp. The amount of hair you have will determine how long this step will take. Begin by making small parts in the hair and inspecting the scalp between the parts. Continue until you have inspected the entire scalp
Now, inspect the hands. Make sure to spread your fingers to check the interlacing skin. Check underneath the nails and the surface of the nails for any changes.
In front of the full-length mirror, survey the entire front of the body. It’s easiest to go top to bottom; so begin at the neck. If you are a woman, make sure to lift the breasts to inspect the skin underneath. Lift your arms over your head to see the skin under the arms and the skin on the sides of the body.
Turn around to examine the back of the torso. Use your hand mirror and start from the back of your neck and examine down the entire back.
Now, inspect the buttocks and the entire posterior surfaces of both legs.
Finally, examine the front of the legs and feet. For this step, you may feel more comfortable sitting down. Using your hand mirror, inspect the groin area, the front of the legs, the knees, and your lower legs. Moving down to the feet, examine the tops of the feet, the skin between the toenails, underneath the toenails, and the toenails themselves.
In addition to these three types of skin cancer, there are two types of lesions that have the potential to progress into skin cancer. One type of pre-cancer is Actinic Keratosis, which appears as a scaly or crusty bump and can be treated with curettage and Electrodesiccation, shave removal, dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser surgery, or topical medication.
The second type is the Dysplastic Nevi. Which are abnormal moles that resemble Melanoma and are often asymmetrical in shape, have an irregular border, vary in color, and are larger than normal moles. They should be watched carefully for changes that may indicate progressions to Melanoma.
It is important to remember that avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds and wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can best prevent these types of skin cancer.
There are five standard methods for the treatment of skin cancers. The two nonsurgical treatments are cryotherapy (deep freezing) and radiation therapy. Other methods include simple excision, physical destruction (curettage with electrodesiccation), and Mohs micrographic surgery. Newer techniques under investigation include photodynamic therapy and immunochemotherapy.
Treatment of each skin cancer must be individualized, taking into consideration such factors as patient’s age, the location of cancer, type of cancer, and whether or not cancer has been treated previously. In some instances, more than one type of therapy may be appropriate. But in most cases, only one or two are necessary for the particular type of skin cancer.
*Results may vary.
After the removal of the visible portion of the tumor by excision or curettage (debulking), there are two basic steps to each Mohs Micrographic Surgery stage. First, a thin layer of tissue is surgically excised from the base of the site. This layer is generally only 1-2 mm larger than the clinical tumor. Next, this tissue is processed in a unique manner and examined underneath the microscope.
On the microscopic slides, the entire bottom surface and outside edges of the tissue are examined. This issue has been marked to orient top to bottom and left to right. If any tumor is seen during the microscopic examination, its location is established, and a thin layer of additional tissue is excised from the involved area. The process is repeated until no tumor is found.
Mohs Surgery in NYC allows for the selective removal of skin cancer with the preservation of as much of the surrounding normal tissue as is possible. Because of this complete systematic microscopic search for the “roots” of skin cancer. Mohs Micrographic Surgery offers the highest chance for complete removal of cancer while sparing the normal tissue. The cure rate for new skin cancers exceeds 97%.
As a result, Mohs surgery is very useful and may be recommended for the following types of cancer:
Mohs surgery has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer, with a cure rate of up to 99% for certain tumors. Due to the fact that the Mohs procedure is micrographically controlled, it provides the most precise method for removal of the cancerous tissue, while sparing the greatest amount of healthy tissue.
For this reason, Mohs surgery may result in a significantly smaller surgical defect and less noticeable scarring, as compared to other methods of skin cancer treatment in NYC. The Mohs procedure is recommended for skin cancer removal in anatomic areas where maximum preservation of healthy tissue is desirable for cosmetic and functional purposes. It may also be indicated for lesions that have recurred following prior treatment, or for lesions that have the greatest likelihood of recurrence.
Your surgical wound will likely require care during the weeks following surgery. Instructions will be provided upon your Mohs Surgery at Dr. Rokhsar’s NYC office. You should plan on wearing a bandage and avoiding strenuous physical activity for a week. Most of our patients report minimal pain which is helped with Tylenol.
Patients may experience a sensation of tightness across the area of surgery since skin cancers frequently involve nerves and months may pass before your skin sensation returns to normal. In rare instances, the numbness may be permanent. Complete healing of the surgical scar takes place over 12-18 months. Especially during the first few months, the site may feel “thick,” swollen, or lumpy, and there may be some redness. Gentle massage of the area (starting about 1 month after the surgery) will speed the healing process.
Mohs is a common surgical procedure to remove the layers of cancerous skin. It’s also the most precise technique for the removal of skin cancer. Dr. Cameron Rokhsar specializes in the treatment of skin cancer using the Mohs micrographic surgical technique. All surgical procedures have the potential for some degree of scar visibility. Dr. Rokhsar is also a leading expert in laser surgery treatments and can assure scarring will be minimalized. The appearance of a post-Mohs’ surgical scar depends entirely on the size, location, and skin type.
Mohs surgery is a very delicate treatment that requires precision. It is advised skin cancer removal be performed by a dermatologist with specialized training in Mohs surgery. Dr. Cameron Rokhsar is a fellowship-trained dermatologist with specialized training in Mohs surgery and has performed countless procedures.
Be well-rested and eat a good breakfast. Take your usual medications, unless directed otherwise. We request that you do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products, such as Anacin or Bufferin, for ten days prior to the surgery. In addition, please do not take Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.). These medications may “thin” your blood and cause more bleeding. You may substitute acetaminophen (Tylenol) if required. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before surgery.
If you have been advised in the past to take antibiotics before a surgical procedure, such as dental work, please adhere to the prescription instructions before your Mohs surgery appointment.
An indefinite follow-up period of observation is necessary after the wound has healed. You will be asked to return in six weeks, six months, and one year following the procedure. Studies have also shown that once you develop skin cancer, there is a strong possibility of developing other skin cancers in the future. Should you notice any suspicious areas, it is best to check with your physician for a complete evaluation. You will be reminded to return to your dermatologist on a frequent basis for continued evaluation of your skin.
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121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022
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Dr. Cameron Rokhsar is the founder and owner of New York Cosmetic Skin & Laser Surgery Center. With degrees from Harvard University and NYU, along with multiple publications and media features, the double board-certified dermatologist and laser surgeon proudly shares his expertise with patients in Garden City, Manhattan, and those who fly in to receive treatments at his offices. Dr. Rokhsar has worked extensively with Vbeam laser, Thermitight, Coolsculpting, and Fraxel laser technology, as well as Allergan and other injectable brands. He pioneered the Non-Surgical Nose Job and continues to be a leader in his field.
Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by
magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues.
