Albert Dabbah, MD PA
                                                                        AUGUST 2009
In This Issue
Endometriosis and Melanoma
Kissable Lips
aesthetically speaking...
Tomatoes
Tanning Beds now compared to ARSENIC
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To Our Patients and Friends,
August is historically the hottest month of the year (yet, could it get any hotter than July?) We know sunblock, hats and sunglasses are vital to combat skin cancer, however,  I learned of some interestingly different perspectives on skin cancer that may not have occurred to you.  I hope you also find them thought-provoking.
Robin
Endometriosis and Melanoma?
 
Sometimes doctors  notice that patients with one illness or condition tend to have a second, what seems to be an unrelated, illness or diagnosis.  One such connection is endometriosis and melanoma. According to Prevention Magazine's July issue, a 12 year French study confirmed that women with endometriosis are 62% more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma.  The researchers aren't sure why.  Don't panic, though.  Just be vigilant about going to the dermatologist to be scanned for melanoma.  If caught early melanoma is close to 100% curable. Jeffrey Callen, MD, professor of dermatology at University of Louisville School of Medicine.
KEEPING THOSE LIPS KISSABLE
Dr Dabbah PortraitDid you know that skin cancer of the lips makes up 10% of all skin cancers?  And there are 3,500 new cases diagnosed each year?  Some dermatologists think that lip gloss acts like a magnifying glass, attracting and enhancing penetration of the sun's rays and potentially causing skin cancer of the lip. The suggestion is to use lip balm with SPF 30 and titanium dioxide, rather than lip gloss.  Another suggestion is to use a matte lipstick, which would be more protective. Better yet, mix the SPF lip balm with your lipstick.
What to look for? White or orange spots, or discoloration. Also, peeling, chapped lips that do not resolve in a couple of weeks. Dr. Christine Brown, American Academy of Dermatology Fellow at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas (April, 2008)
 
aesthetically speaking...
Plastic surgeons are typically requested  when a patient is to have a melanoma removed. The treatment requires a large excision which only a plastic surgeon is trained to close. Many patients do not understand why they are then referred to general surgeons and oncologists for further evaluation.
The pathology report helps to determine the size and depth of the melanoma, and whether or not a general surgeon is needed to do sentinel node biopsies at the time of the excision.  Sentinel node biopsies are done to know if there is spreading of the cancer.
Whether or not sentinel node biopsies are indicated, the plastic surgeon may send the patient to an oncologist for further in-depth evaluation.
TOMATOES 
Foods that are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and E are the best skin cancer protection foods. It is also thought that lycopene, found in tomatoes, has a protective effect against skin cancer.  It has already been linked to a reduction in the risk of prostate cancer.  Lycopene is most concentrated when the food is cooked.
Tomatoes are at their best in the summertime.  So pair this easy pizza with a salad for a nice, light summer dinner.
Ginas' Summer Tomato Pie 
 Flour, for dusting work surface
1 (9 inch) ready-made refrigerated rolled pie crust
2 large yellow tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 red tomato, sliced 1/4 inch thick
8 ounces mozzarella, sliced
1/4 cup chiffonade basil leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teas red pepper flakes
Extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sprinkle flour on work surface.  Roll out pie dough to form a 10 inch circle and place on baking sheet.  Overlap and alternate the different tomatoes and mozzarella slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 3 inch border.  Scatter the basil leaves on top.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper and red pepper flakes.  Fold the uncovered edges of the dough inward over the filling to create a pleated crust.  Brush edges and top of pie with olive oil.
Bake in oven for 35 minutes. Place on cutting board to slice, then serve.
Courtesy of The Neelys, Food Network
 

NEWS JUST IN !!!!!!!

                          TANNING BEDS ARE AS DEADLY AS ARSENIC 
Tanning beds and ultraviolet radiation have been placed into the top category of cancer causing risks by international cancer experts.  A new analysis of 20 studies concludes that cancer risk jumps 75% when people start using tanning beds before the age of 30. According to the experts at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, the cancer arm of the World Health Organization, using tanning beds causes an approximate 20% increase in melanoma, which can be deadly if left undiagnosed and treated.  According to a British study in 2003, 100 people die every year from melanoma attributed to tanning beds. Previous studies found younger people who regularly use tanning beds are 8 times more likely to have melanoma than those who don't use them. www.lancet.com 
 
AUGUST SPECIALS
 
DYSPORT
10% OFF, OR BRING IN A FRIEND AND YOU EACH RECEIVE 15% OFF (THRU AUG)
 
BOTOX
$50.00 REBATE (THRU AUG
 
LATISSE
PURCHASE BOTOX OR JUVEDERM AND ONE(1) LATISSE, AND RECEIVE A SECOND LATISSE FREE. (while supply lasts)
 
OBAGI
PURCHASE 5 OR MORE OBAGI PRODUCTS AND RECEIVE 15% OFF (THRU AUG)
 
15% OFF ALL SUN PROTECTION PRODUCTS (THRU AUG)