Skin Cancer Screening

What is it?

Skin cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells that occur when the skin cells suffer DNA damage and then mutate, causing the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant (cancerous) tumors. Most skin cancers appear in sun-exposed areas such as the face, head, hands, arms, and legs. Most skin cancers fall into one of three categories: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Skin cancer is treatable, but early detection is key!

Here at the Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Harold F. Farber, M.D. takes his time to do a complete full skin exam. We also offer complimentary skin cancer examinations, just call either our Narberth or Philadelphia office to schedule your screening.

Annual Skin Exams:

An annual full-body skin examination with your dermatologist will take about 15 minutes, we can conduct a skin examination you at either our Philadelphia or Narberth locations you should mention any skin changes or concerns you have noticed. Your dermatologist will be looking for skin changes that accumulated over your lifetime from sun damage.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Basal cell carcinoma
  • The majority will occur on the face and will appear as a pearly papule with a telangiectatic vessel (tiny blood vessel)
  • The flat firm area with small, raised, translucent/pearly/waxy papule & central ulceration
  • Raised rolled borders
  • Bleeds easily
• Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Red, elevated thickened nodule with adherent white scaly or crusted, bloody margins
• Melanoma
  • ABCDE
    • Asymmetry
    • Borders: irregular
    • Color: variation (dark blue, black)
    • Diameter: over 5mm
    • Evolution (recent/rapid change in appearance)

Complications

Recurrence, abnormal spot on the skin left from removal, unhealed sore, lymphedema

Risk Factors

Tanning beds have fair skin, light-colored eyes, history of skin cancer or precancerous lesions, weakened the immune system, Xeroderma pigmentosum

Treatment

• Electrodesiccation and curettage treatment
• Surgical excision
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery (recurrent/aggressive)
• Radiation therapy
• Multiple other treatments including topical and oral medications as well as other options

Skin Cancer Prevention

• Avoid tanning beds and sunburns
• Limited the time spend outdoors between the peak sun hours (10am-4pm)
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 of greater everyday
• Do monthly at-home skin checks
• See your dermatologist every year for a thorough full-body skin exam

If you or someone you may know would like to have a full-body skin exam, do not wait. Call Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harold, F. Farber M.D.