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Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is uncontrollable cell growth of the skin, and most commonly involves the outer epidermis layer. There are four main types of skin cancer and the most common (basal cell) is the least deadly. Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancerous tumor arising on sun-exposed skin in older people. The cells are thin and flat on the top of the skin. Squamous cell cancers are more commonly found in men than women. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common human cancer, progresses slowly and rarely metastasizes. The basal cells are round and often develop into a slightly raised area. Melanoma is the less common but more deadly form of skin cancer, and develops in the lower layers of the skin and appears darkly pigmented. Increasing public awareness of skin cancer allows most patients to be cured surgically in the early stages of the disease. However, if left untreated melanoma quickly progresses to the more dangerous classification of malignant melanoma.

Skin Cancer - Risk Factors and Prevention

The cells of the skin are continually exposed to UV radiation which can irreversibly damage the cell's DNA and life cycle. Once this damage occurs the probability of developing squamous, basal, or melanoma tumors increases. However, untreated burns and genetic factors predispose some people to develop skin cancers. One of the easiest ways to protect against developing skin cancer is to administer sun screen whenever outside. Most people do not realize that the SPF factor represents the time that a person can avoid developing a sunburn. Therefore, patients should reapply suntan lotion frequently.

Skin Cancer - Diagnosis

Skin cancers can be detected at home but are formally diagnosed in a doctors office. Commonly, skin cancers look different than surrounding skin since the color and texture begins to change. Cancers can resemble moles that have irregular boundaries, or patches of skin that appear yellow, red, brown, black, or scar-like. Most importantly, all types of skin cancers appear different than the surrounding skin. If a doctor suspects skin cancer, the next step involves performing a biopsy in which a small portion of the unusual skin is removed and tested for cancer.

Skin Cancer Treatment

Treatment options and the chance of curing the cancer depends upon the type and stage of the tumor. Stage refers to the size of the tumor, if the cancer has invaded lymph nodes and whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Four main types of treatment are: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and photodynamic (laser) therapy.

Skin cancer Management

After the necessary treatment sessions, the cancerous area is closely observed by both the doctor and patient for reoccurrence. If the cancer does reoccur your doctor may try a different type of treatment depending on the circumstances. The probability of eliminating the cancer and preventing return depends on many factors such as age, genetics, and stage of the initial cancer. Depending on the treatment, you may miss work, so communicating with friends and family is important for support. Most importantly, maintaining your body's health will increase the likelihood of eliminating the cancer.

Skin Cancer Resources



American Cancer Society
1599 Clifton Rd, NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Tel: 800-227-2345
Tel: 404-320-3333
FAX: 404-325-2217
https://www.cancer.org/



National Cancer Institute
Office of Communications
National Institute for Health
9000 Rockville Pike
Bldg 31, Room 10A31
Bethesda, MD 20892
Contact: Paul Van Nevel
Tel: 301-496-6631
Tel: 800-4-CANCER
FAX: 301-402-4945
https://www.cancer.gov/

How can we help you?

SKIN

# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

Would you recommend us?

definitely
93.1%
probably
6.16%
maybe
0.58%
not likely
0.08%
no
0.02%

Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent
87.9%
very good
10.1%
good
1.8%
poor
0.06%
very poor
0%

Overall doctor performance

excellent
94.2%
very good
4.89%
good
0.80%
poor
0.03%
very poor
0%

The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
very good
4.97%
good
1.05%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
94.0%
very good
4.66%
good
1.27%
poor
0.02%
very poor
0%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
94.3%
very good
4.16%
good
1.25%
poor
0.14%
very poor
0.02%

The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
92.0%
very good
5.69%
good
2.18%
poor
0.11%
very poor
0.0%

Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
0.31%
very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
good
3.39%
poor
0.24%
very poor
0.08%

Office comfort

excellent
90.9%
very good
6.93%
good
2.08%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0.05%

Parking

excellent
66.4%
very good
14.4%
good
15.7%
poor
2.49%
very poor
0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
90.9%
very good
7.23%
good
1.85%
poor
0.05%
very poor
0%

What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

Dr. Ringpfeil is extremely professional and thorough. I appreciated her manner and knowledge and will definately refer her to friends and family.

#12024-09-20

The office atmosphere: paintings, light fixtures.

#22024-06-02

Attention by all staff.

#32024-10-18

I was pleased that the Dr acknowleged my children and was patient with them during the visit.

#42024-08-25

Yes your patiences and willingness to answer all my questions.

#52024-05-10

Staff was friendly, attentive and polite. Dr Ringpfeild is the first Dr I seen that has been able to provide a viable resolution for my condition

#62024-02-18

This is one of the best medical offices that I have visited. I see doctors in the Penn and Bryn Mawr systems and this is by far much better than any of those offices. The entire staff is friendly and accommodating. Both doctors are awesome! I have recommended you to family and friends. Keep up the great work!

#72012-12-03 17:05:27

The aesthetician was great, very straight forward and running on time!

#82011-05-05 13:30:08

I especially liked the friendliness of the staff and doctor. Also, this office is beautiful. I've never seen a doctor's office that compares with this one.

#92024-12-15

I don't have insurance, and Dr.Ringpfeil carfully thought about my situation and prescripted with my budget. Very nice and explained each medication that I'm on. LOVE THIS PLACE! hope my face gets better fast..

#102010-11-10 08:24:10

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Keep doing the same thing.

#12024-11-09

There is a problem with availability of parking during busy week days.

#22024-06-04

website access to new patients more visable on site

#32024-12-08

Just keep doing what the company is doing and yall will be fine. no problems at all i will refer anybody to this compnay

#42024-09-16

I recommended this practice to a family member but they showed up 15 mins late to their first appt. due to traffic and were turned away (after traveling over an hour to get here). I would suggest on the first visit to allow more leeway for late appointments (try to fit them in) and then explain the late policy for all appointments moving forward.

#52011-09-21 14:47:49

So glad I came. Always liked Dr. Kern and Ann Watson. He'd be so pleased with your entire professional setup

#62024-03-30

Keep doing what you are doing!

#72024-03-06

May be by considering the comfort of the patients by allowing a grace period of atleast10-15mins and also by functioning on weekends too

#82024-05-31

Service was excellent!

#92010-09-30 13:09:12

Very satisfied. Should get an office in Cherry Hill, NJ

#102024-10-14

Customer Rating : 4.7

Based on 637 ratings
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