Beauty goes beyond skin deep. However, maintaining overall health and wellness can begin within our own skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop some form of it in their lifetime. Melanoma accounts for less than two percent of skin cancer cases, but it is responsible for a vast majority of skin cancer deaths. Patients with a family history of melanoma are at higher risk of developing melanoma themselves. Despite family history, there are preventative steps that you can take in order to avoid the development of skin cancer, and preserve your overall health. Avoiding extensive sun exposure, wearing sunblock, and keeping up with annual exams are all steps you can take that can potentially save your life.
That is why, Dr. Jacobs expresses the importance of receiving a thorough skin examination at least twice a year. One size does not fit all when it comes to skin exams. Dr. Jacobs customizes each exam to the individual patient. This includes taking into account his or her medical history, including all prior surgeries (even if they are not skin-related), as well as the patient’s family history of skin cancer. Because small formations of cancer can be easily missed, treatments are detail-oriented, and may involve microscopically checking hundreds of spots on one patient alone, if necessary.
Dr. Jacobs and his staff take a four-pronged approach:
- Examination
- Diagnosis
- Treatment plan
- Prevention recommendations
Every spot removed is carefully analyzed. Dr. Jacobs works with New York City’s top skin pathologist, Dr. Cynthia Magro at Weill Cornell Medical College.
A skin cancer diagnosis can be frightening and confusing. But Dr. Jacobs has an exceptional track record for successfully detecting skin cancer early on. As he puts it, “Early melanoma is quite difficult to detect. But I have looked, using a microscope, at millions of spots throughout the course of my practice, and am attuned to distinguishing tiny, very subtle irregularities below the surface of the skin, which has proven fruitful in identifying problem spots.”
Maintaining beautiful and youthful skin begins with preserving skin health. Be sure to do your part in preventing the development of skin cancer by taking the simple and necessary preventative measures. If you have yet to schedule your skin cancer detection exam, now is the time. Receive a personalized and thorough skin exam from one of the best, here at Michael I. Jacobs, M.D. Skin cancer detection is one of the essential keys to achieving radiantly vibrant and healthy skin. Contact us today and schedule your consultation towards a healthy complexion and optimal wellness!