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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: 4008
Last updated: 3/15/2023 9:53 PM

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)

Doctor was very friendly & knowledgable. I especially appreciated that she seemed unrushed and focused on me. I am hopeful that the procedure she recommended will improve my condition (facial scar).

#12022-05-15

Dr. Ringpfeil was my second opinion and I felt much more at ease with the time she took to understand my issues and explanation for solutions.

#22011-01-04 09:06:32

They were the first attentive people in the medical field I've encountered in a while. Quick and EFFICIENT visit- I appreciated everything!!!!!

#32022-08-17

I have al;ways liked the Doctor and the satff

#42010-11-17 15:23:04

The amount of time the doctor spent and the medical assistant. I didn't feel rushed

#52022-08-26

Everything was very quick which I like, plus I got all the information I needed in that short amount of time.

#62012-09-04 12:31:55

The overall feel of the office is excellent and comfortable.

#72022-09-28

The med assistant and the doctor were very pleasant and I feel like I can leave knowing that I am ok and had an excellent exam

#82022-10-16

The professionalism of the staff and doctor. Everyone was easy to talk to and my questions were answered.

#92022-09-10

Friendliness of the staff.

#102022-05-12

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

I was very happy with the care I received.

#12010-09-14 10:44:00

How about a smile to greet a brand new patient? How about explaining that I need to go and fill out info on the computer instead of pointing over there you need to complete things. I felt like walking out by the rudeness. The medical assistant and phys asst were extremely kind, thorough and helpful. I realized that I was here to seek help for my child and received amazing medical help. Thank you.

#22011-07-11 11:52:49

don't think you could!!

#32022-05-29

music mix

#42023-03-04

I am perfectly happy, which is why i keep returning.

#52011-10-03 12:18:59

can't think of anything

#62011-12-12 10:13:47

smile more

#72010-09-09 10:34:11

Service was fantastic. No suggestions.

#82011-11-29 13:58:45

you cannot serve me any better than I was served today

#92023-01-09

Don't change anything, it's excellent.

#102010-11-08 15:17:21

Customer Rating : 4.6

Based on 402 ratings
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