Annual Skin Cancer Screenings Specialist
Jeremy Rothfleisch, MD PA
Board Certified Dermatologist located in East Brunswick, NJ
One in five Americans develops skin cancer by age 70, according to the National Skin Cancer Foundation. Dr. Jeremy Rothfleisch knows the dangers of skin cancer and provides annual skin cancer screenings in East Brunswick, New Jersey. An annual skin cancer screening is an integral part of your preventive health care to protect your skin and catch any signs of cancer early. If you have skin concerns, call or schedule your consultation online.
Annual Skin Cancer Screenings
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells caused by mutations in the DNA that prompt rapid growth and lead to a mass of cancer cells.
Men, women, and children of all ages and skin tones can develop skin cancer on numerous parts of their body.
What are the different types of skin cancer?
The location where your skin cancer starts determines your treatment plan.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma typically appears on the most sun-exposed areas of the body as a flat lesion with a scaly surface or a red, firm nodule.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, grows slowly, and rarely spreads. It also usually appears on sun-exposed areas of your skin, like your face and neck. It presents itself as a flesh-colored flat lesion or a waxy bump.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a skin cancer that occurs anywhere on your body but most often on your face, trunk, or lower legs. Melanoma starts as either a mole that gradually becomes cancerous or on normal skin. You may notice this mole changes in size and color and bleeds or has a large brownish spot with darker speckles.
Melanoma can also appear as a small lesion with an unusual outline and different color patterns, such as red, blue, bluish black, or white.
What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
The risk factors for skin cancer include:
- Moles
- Fair skin
- Excessive sun exposure
- Certain toxic substances
- Weakened immune systems
- Excess UV radiation exposure
- A family history of skin cancer
Why should I get an annual skin cancer screening?
An annual skin cancer screening, partial or full-body, is a critical part of your preventive care. This vital doctor’s appointment allows Dr. Rothfleisch to perform a visual inspection for suspicious moles or bleeding lesions, and he may use a dermatoscope to help him see better.
If you have a history of skin cancer, more frequent skin cancer screenings are recommended. When Dr. Rothfleisch sees something suspicious, he may recommend a biopsy to determine the specific subtype of skin cancer.
Dr. Rothfleisch is an experienced dermatologic surgeon who has performed over 8,000 excisions. If you have concerns or are due for a screening, call his office today or schedule your appointment online.