Summer 2009

Dear Patient:

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all in the community who helped us with our annual skin cancer screening that we offered to the public this past June.  Along with the American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology, many media outlets assisted us by “spreading the word” enabling this event to become the most successful screening we've had to date.  Thank you again everyone for helping to make this happen!

Summer is finally here beckoning us to spend more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine and with some basic attention to keeping our skin healthy we can take full advantage of this wonderful season. 

In addition to the guidelines listed below, remember that your ears, scalp, lips and cheeks are especially vulnerable and must be protected from the sun’s rays whenever we’re outdoors.  When playing sports including golf, sailing and tennis, extra vigilance is required, especially here on Long Island where these activities abound.  So as long as you follow some simple guidelines, don’t be afraid to go outside and enjoy this beautiful season while keeping your skin happy and healthy.

If you have a subject you would like covered in future editions, please drop us a note by mail or email at liskin.mail@gmail.com, and we will try to focus on it in upcoming issues.

Have a wonderful summer!


Marcia Hollander
Practice Manager

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM THE SUN:

... Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.  Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days and more often after swimming or sweating.

...Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses whenever possible.

...Seek shade when appropriate remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.

...Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chances of sunburn.

...Protect children from sun exposure by applying sunscreen often during your day out in the sun.

...Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements.

... Avoid tanning beds.  Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling.  If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen when outdoors.

...Get regular checkups.  If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist.  Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

MOHS SURGERY:
THE GOLD STANDARD OF TREATMENT

Why is Mohs Surgery the gold standard of treatment?

Mohs micrographic surgery, an advanced treatment procedure for skin cancer, offers the highest potential for cure -- even if the skin cancer has been previously treated.  It relies on the accuracy of a microscope to trace and ensure removal of skin cancer cells down to its roots.  This allows dermatologists, specially trained in Mohs surgery, to see beyond the visible disease and to precisely identify and remove the entire tumor leaving healthy tissue unharmed.  This procedure is most often used in treating two of the most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

How often is Mohs surgery successful?

The cure rate for Mohs surgery is as high as 99 percent for basal cell carcinoma and 95% for squamous cell carcinoma and recurrent tumors.

What is a Mohs Surgeon?

The highly-trained surgeons that perform Mohs Micrographic Surgery are specialists in dermatology, pathology and reconstructive surgery.  With their extensive knowledge of the skin and unique pathological skills, they are able to remove only diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue allowing for a good cosmetic outcome. 

Why is it important to have only a Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon to perform Mohs surgery?

Fellowship training is additional training beyond medical school and residency in which the surgeon must participate in a minimum of 500 cases under the supervision of a Fellowship-trained instructor.  It provides the opportunity for surgeons to become highly skilled in not only removing skin cancers, but offers intense training in pathology which helps determine the extent of the cancer and is a vital ingredient in making sure that your Mohs surgery is successful.  In addition, the surgeon is trained in repairing the wound to minimize scarring and obtain the best aesthetic outcome.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PATIENTS:
As always, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for referring your friends and family to us.  It is our goal to help you get well as soon as possible and we appreciate the response and attention you have given us.