Services

Skin Cancer Institute

Background

Dr. Sarnoff appeared on the celebrity entertainment show, "Extra" to discuss the dangers of tanning with the cast of MTV's hit show, "Jersey Shore." This life-changing intervention was successful and the "Jersey Shore" roommates plan to make the switch to spray tanning.

No matter what your age or skin type is, if a mole or skin lesion becomes larger, changes color, or develops an irregular border, you should be checked by a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Dr. Sarnoff and Dr. Gotkin are experts in the detection and treatment of skin cancer and are the recipients of CancerCare of Long Island’s Humanitarian Award for 20 years of dedication in treating and curing skin cancer.

Dr. Sarnoff and Dr. Gotkin treat all types of skin cancer:

- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Malignant Melanoma

Dr. Sarnoff specializes in Mohs surgery, the most advanced surgical technique for the removal of skin cancers, providing the highest cure rate. Dr. Sarnoff has personally treated over 15,000 skin cancers and is senior vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Mohs surgery involves the removal and analysis of thin layers of skin at the tumor site until the last traces of cancerous tissue have been eliminated. The immediate and complete microscopic examination and evaluation of excised tissue is what differentiates Mohs surgery from other skin cancer removal procedures. Only cancerous tissue is removed, minimizing both the chance of tumor re-growth and post-operative wound size.

Following the completion of Mohs surgery and in order to give you the best cosmetic result, Dr. Gotkin is available to perform reconstruction in the most aesthetic manner.

To receive the finest care, call or write to us today to schedule a consultation.

In addition to her appearance on NBC's "Extra," Dr. Sarnoff was featured on "The Doctors" TV show (CBS) to raise awareness of the dangers of the sun and offer tips on sun protection and how to recognize the early warning signs of melanoma.


FAQs

Question:
Do all moles and colored spots eventually develop cancer?
Answer:
Most people have a number of small colored spots on their bodies – moles, freckles, birthmarks.  Almost all moles are normal and remain so.  However, a change in a mole or spot on the skin may be the first sign of skin cancer and should be checked immediately by a dermatologist.
 
Question:
What is the major cause of all skin cancers?
Answer:
Chronic exposure to sunlight.
 
Question:
What is the difference between basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma?
Answer:
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer.  These cancers arise in the basal cells, which are at the bottom of the epidermis (outer skin layer).  Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer.  Malignant melanoma is a serious skin cancer that arises in moles or in the tanning cells of the skin.   All types of skin cancer are treated at Cosmetique.
 
Question:
What is Mohs surgery?
Answer:
Mohs micrographic surgery is state-of-the-art treatment for skin cancer.  It relies on the precision and accuracy of a microscope to trace and ensure removal of skin cancer – down to its roots.   Dr. Sarnoff specializes in Mohs surgery, which provides the highest cure rate and, along with Dr. Gotkin’s plastic surgery, the best cosmetic result.
 
Question:
When is Mohs surgery most likely to be recommended?
Answer:
Mohs surgery is effective for most types of skin cancer, but is most commonly used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas.  Mohs surgery is the treatment of choice when:  the cancer is large; the edges of the cancer cannot be clearly defined; the cancer is in an area of the body where it is important to preserve healthy tissue; and/or if prior treatment has failed.  High precision makes Mohs surgery ideal for the elimination of cancers in cosmetically important areas such as the face (nose, eyelids, lips, hairline), hands, feet and genitals.
 
Question:
What can I do to reduce the likelihood that additional skin cancers will develop and/or ensure their early detection?
Answer:
Protect yourself from the sun (protective clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses); be aware of any new or existing lesions on your skin that appear to be growing or bleed intermittently.  If any of these skin changes occur, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Sarnoff as soon as possible.