Dr. Jerome Potozkin is recognized as a dermatology leader in the East Bay area. Educated at New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Potozkin is a member of the American Board of Dermatology and a clinical instructor at University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.
Watch Dr. Jerome Potozkin perform a procedure on ABC News using the VISIA® system.
Helping the Victims of Katrina
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
Walnut Creek Dermatologist Donates $18,000 to Katrina Victims
Protect Yourself
THE SUNDAY REPORT
What you need to know to outsmart Melanoma
Facing Adult Acne
THE TIMES
Experts help sufferers face skin problem head-on
Face up Charity
WALNUT CREEK JOURNAL
"When I was told that a doctor donated $25,000 to the program, I was really happy"
Serving Walnut Creek and the East Bay – Skin Cancer Information
The most common form of cancer in the United States, skin cancer affects one in five Americans at some point during their lifetime. Often disfiguring, some types of skin cancer can even prove fatal. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that skin cancer causes over 20 deaths a day in the United States alone. It is important, then, to be informed about the various types of skin cancer, the warning signs associated with each type, and the most effective safety precautions. Along with taking good care of their skin, individuals should be screened for skin cancer regularly. For individuals in the East Bay, Dr. Jerome Potozkin offers skin cancer screening at our Walnut Creek practice. If skin cancer is diagnosed, patients can rely upon Dr. Potozkin to treat their cancer using the most advanced methods.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three basic types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell: Although it may be the least deadly type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma can result in disfigurement. Affecting the basal cells, which lie deep within the top layer of skin, this is the most common form of skin cancer, and usually occurs in areas of the face and body that are frequently exposed to sunlight. Those who work outdoors and people with fair complexions are especially prone to this type of skin cancer.
- Squamous Cell: The second most common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, like basal cell skin cancer, affects the upper layer of the skin. In most cases, squamous cell carcinoma is related to sun exposure, although it can be caused by trauma to the skin (such as burns or sores) and exposure to certain chemicals and X-rays.
- Melanoma: Although it is the least common form of skin cancer, melanoma is responsible for thousands of deaths each year. Whereas basal and squamous cell carcinomas rarely spread to other areas of the body, melanoma can affect the lymph nodes when left untreated. From the lymph nodes, the cancer can easily spread to internal organs such as the lungs and liver.
Skin Cancer Warning Signs
There are observable warning signs associated with each type of skin cancer (basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma). If you notice one or more of the following symptoms, please contact your dermatologist. Those in Walnut Creek or the East Bay can schedule a skin cancer screening with Dr. Potozkin.
- Basal Cell: Basal cell carcinomas often look vastly different from one another. While some resemble open sores, others may appear as a reddish patch. Shiny bumps, pinkish growths, and scar-like patches of skin are also warning signs of basal cell skin cancer.
- Squamous Cell: Ranging from small to large and appearing in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and red, squamous cell carcinomas are often crusty or scaly and may bleed periodically.
- Melanoma: The Skin Cancer Foundation urges everyone be aware of the ABCDEs of melanoma:
- Asymmetry: If one were to draw a line down the middle of a melanoma, the two halves would not mirror each other.
- Border: Uneven edges may indicate that a mole is malignant.
- Color: Melanomas usually have two or more shades. They may be black, brown, tan, red, blue, or another color.
- Diameter: The diameter of a melanoma is typically larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolving: Any mole that changes in size, shape, color, or texture should be examined immediately.
Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer
A state-of-the-art treatment for basal and squamous cell skin cancer, Mohs Micrographic Surgery involves the use of microscopic analysis to create a map of the treatment area. The advantages to Mohs Micrographic Surgery include a very high cure rate and minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. Learn more about Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
Contact Dr. Jerome Potozkin
With skin cancer, time is always of the essence. When identified and treated early, there is a much lower risk of complications and disfiguring scars. Contact Dr. Jerome Potozkin at our dermatology practice, serving Walnut Creek and the East Bay, to learn more about skin cancer or to schedule an appointment.
