Posts Tagged ‘SCC’

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May 2nd, 2012

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer, followed by Melanoma, which is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old. Facts to know about tanning:

  • Frequent tanners using new high-pressure sunlamps may receive as much as 12 times the annual UVA dose compared to the dose they receive from sun exposure. 1
  • Ten minutes in a sunbed matches the cancer-causing effects of 10 minutes in the Mediterranean summer sun. 2
  • Indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors. 3
  • People who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. 4

What can you do to prevent skin cancer:

  • Do not burn
  • Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths
  • Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen
  • Examine your skin
Check out our previous post on skin cancer treatment: click HERE

1. Report on Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Toxicology Program. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Link. Accessed January 24, 2011.

2. World Health Organization. Sunbeds. World Health Organization. 2010. Link. Accessed October 25, 2010.
3. Lazovich D, Vogel RI, Berwick M, Weinstock MA, Anderson KE, Warshaw EM. Indoor tanning and risk of melanoma: a case-control study in a highly-exposed population. Cancer Epidem Biomar Prev 2010 June; 19(6):1557-1568.
4. Karagas MR, Stannard VA, Mott LA, Slattery MJ, Spencer SK, and Weinstock MA. Use of tanning devices and risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. J Natl Cancer Inst 2002; 94:224; doi:10.1093/jnci/94.3.224.

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An Alternative to Mohs Surgery

May 10th, 2011

Did you know that surgery, typically Mohs surgery is not the only way to successfully treat skin cancers? Surgery on the nose, ears, eyelids or lips may cause disfigurement or require reconstructive surgery under a general anesthetic to maintain the natural appearance. Brachytherapy with the Flexitron system is an effective alternative treatment for BCC (Basel Cell Carcinoma) and SCC (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) skin cancer and avoids the need for reconstructive surgery. It also has its advantages over surgery for patients with a large number of lesions, elderly patients, or patients who are otherwise inoperable, and advantages over external beam radiotherapy as it requires shorter treatment times and less side effects.

At The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology we offer a dedicated suite where patients receive HDR (high dose rate) Brachytherapy with the Flexitron system. The Flexitron applicator facilitates close contact between the brachytherapy radiation source and the skin. This helps ensure conformity of the radiation dose to the tumor to provide excellent cosmetic results and clinical efficacy. The Treatment is typically twice a week for up to 4 weeks, and allows patients to return to work or home the same day of treatment.

Dr. Manny Alvarez

Please take a look at Dr. Manny, the senior managing health editor for Fox News and his coverage of an alternative to Mohs at The Farber Center. CLICK HERE or press play below.


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FLEXITRON BY Nucletron ARRIVES at The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology

January 24th, 2011

The First Radiation Center Offering this Cutting-Edge technology in New York City.

The Farber Center for Radiation Oncology has become the first treatment center in New York City——to treat skin cancer patients with Flexitron, an advanced HDR brachytherapy delivery system that brings a whole new world of safety to brachytherapy, providing to-the-millimeter accuracy while allowing physicians to administer higher, more concentrated doses of radiation directly to cancer cells. . Flexitron is the most advanced afterloader ever offered by Nucletron – the acknowledged leader in brachytherapy-based precision radiation oncology.
Dr. Leonard Farber, Radiation Oncologist and founder of the Farber Center, is currently treating the first skin cancer patient to undergo HDR Brachytherapy treatment at the center with the Flexitron system. In keeping with The Farber Center’s commitment to state-of-the-art technology and patient comfort, Flexitron represents cutting-edge, minimally invasive care that puts the patient first.

Skin cancers can often be successfully treated by the surgical removal of the cancerous tumor typically Mohs surgery. Surgery on the nose, ears, eyelids or lips may cause disfigurement or require reconstructive surgery under a general anesthetic to maintain the natural appearance. Brachytherapy with the Flexitron system is an effective alternative treatment for BCC and SCC skin cancer and avoids the need for reconstructive surgery. It also has its advantages over surgery for patients with a large number of lesions, elderly patients, or patients who are otherwise inoperable, and advantages over external beam radiotherapy as it requires shorter treatment times and less side effects.

The Flexitron applicator facilitates close contact between the brachytherapy radiation source and the skin. This helps ensure conformity of the radiation dose to the tumor to provide excellent cosmetic results and clinical efficacy. Below is a picture of a squamos cell skin cancer before and after radiation treatment.

“We’re so pleased to be able to offer this truly revolutionary treatment at The Farber Center,” says Dr. Farber. “HDR Brachytherapy with Flexitron offers an ideal treatment for our patients in New York, as it is a short, targeted, non-invasive course that provides a superior level of care and lets our patients live their lives with minimal interference.”

At a dedicated suite at the The Farber Center, patients will receive HDR Brachytherapy with the Flexitron system treatment typically twice a week for up to 4 weeks, and allow patients to return to work or home the same day of treatment.

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Posted in Skin Cancer, Uncategorized

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