Skin Cancer Treatment in NYC: Expert Care by Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld
In the intricate landscape of skin cancer, early detection is the difference between life and death. While the skin is our largest organ and first line of defense, it is also highly vulnerable to damage, particularly from UV radiation. Skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the world, is rising at an alarming rate, and nowhere is the impact felt more acutely than in New York City, where sun exposure, environmental toxins, and genetic predisposition collide.
At 629 Park Avenue, Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld, one of NYC’s most esteemed dermatologists, specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin cancer. With decades of experience in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Rothfeld offers state-of-the-art treatments that eliminate cancer while preserving the skin’s function and appearance.
Understanding Skin Cancer: A Silent Epidemic
Skin cancer arises when DNA mutations in skin cells trigger uncontrolled growth, leading to abnormal lesions or tumors. The primary cause? Ultraviolet (UV) exposure—whether from natural sunlight or tanning beds. Genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental pollutants further compound the risk.
The Three Major Types of Skin Cancer
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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – The Most Common Form
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Appearance: Pearly or waxy bump, flesh-colored or pink, sometimes with visible blood vessels.
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Location: Typically found on sun-exposed areas like the face, scalp, neck, and ears.
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Growth Pattern: Slow-growing but locally invasive, meaning it rarely spreads but can destroy surrounding tissue if left untreated.
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Treatment Options: Mohs surgery, electrodessication and curettage (ED&C), topical immunotherapy, or superficial radiation therapy.
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – The Fast-Growing Threat
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Appearance: Scaly, red, or crusted lesion that may bleed or ulcerate.
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Location: Commonly appears on hands, face, lips, and ears, but can develop anywhere.
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Aggressiveness: Faster-growing than BCC and has a higher risk of metastasis (spreading to lymph nodes).
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Treatment Options: Mohs surgery, surgical excision, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), or chemotherapy in advanced cases.
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Melanoma – The Deadliest Form of Skin Cancer
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Appearance: A dark, irregularly shaped mole that changes in size, shape, or color.
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Location: Can appear anywhere, even in areas not exposed to the sun (such as the soles of the feet, palms, and under nails).
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Aggressiveness: Highly metastatic, meaning it can spread rapidly to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and brain if not caught early.
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Treatment Options: Surgical excision, immunotherapy, targeted therapy (BRAF inhibitors), and radiation therapy.
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Melanoma accounts for only 1% of all skin cancers but causes the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. Early detection is crucial, as Stage 1 melanoma has a 99% survival rate, but Stage 4 survival drops to 27%.
How to Detect Skin Cancer: The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Early detection is your best defense. Use the ABCDE rule to identify suspicious lesions:
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A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
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B - Border: Irregular, jagged, or poorly defined edges.
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C - Color: Multiple colors (brown, black, red, blue, white) instead of uniform pigmentation.
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D - Diameter: Lesions larger than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser).
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E - Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or texture over time.
If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule an immediate skin exam with Dr. Rothfeld at 629 Park Avenue, NYC.
Advanced Skin Cancer Treatments by Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld
Dr. Rothfeld employs a multi-faceted approach to treating skin cancer, ensuring both oncologic cure and aesthetic preservation.
1. Mohs Micrographic Surgery – The Gold Standard
🔹 Ideal for: BCC and SCC, especially on cosmetically sensitive areas like the face.
🔹 How it Works: Layer-by-layer removal of cancer cells with 100% margin control.
🔹 Success Rate: 99% cure rate for primary BCC and SCC.
2. Surgical Excision – Complete Tumor Removal
🔹 Ideal for: Melanomas and aggressive SCCs.
🔹 How it Works: The tumor and a margin of healthy skin are surgically removed, followed by histopathological analysis.
🔹 Best for: Deep or high-risk lesions requiring wide excision.
3. Non-Surgical Treatments – Alternative Options
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Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen freezes and destroys abnormal cells.
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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) – Uses a photosensitizing drug and light therapy to kill cancer cells.
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Topical Chemotherapy (5-FU, Imiquimod) – Used for superficial BCCs and SCCs.
4. Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy – Fighting Advanced Melanoma
For metastatic or high-risk melanoma, Dr. Rothfeld collaborates with oncologists to administer:
✔ Checkpoint inhibitors (Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab) – Supercharges the immune system to attack melanoma cells.
✔ BRAF inhibitors (Vemurafenib, Dabrafenib) – Targets specific genetic mutations in melanoma cells.
Why Choose Dr. Gary Jayne Rothfeld for Skin Cancer Treatment in NYC?
✅ Nationally recognized expert in dermatologic oncology.
✅ State-of-the-art technology, including Mohs surgery, laser therapy, and immunotherapy.
✅ Personalized treatment plans tailored to your cancer type and skin health.
✅ Convenient Park Avenue location in Manhattan for world-class dermatology care.
Your skin is your first line of defense—don’t leave it unprotected. If you notice any suspicious skin changes, call 212-644-4484 today for an urgent skin cancer screening with Dr. Rothfeld.
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| DR GARY JAYNE ROTHFELD |