Skin Cancer

Introduction: Why Skin Cancer Needs an Integrative Approach

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States—and often the most misunderstood. While early detection is crucial, so is understanding what’s happening beneath the surface of your skin.

At Patients Medical in New York City, we combine conventional dermatologic treatments with functional, nutritional, and holistic medicine to strengthen your body’s internal defenses, reduce inflammation, and support long-term skin and immune health.

We don’t just remove the cancer—we help restore the body’s natural resilience.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the skin begin to grow uncontrollably. The most common types include:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Slow-growing and typically non-life-threatening but can be disfiguring if untreated.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): More likely to spread than BCC, especially in aggressive forms.
  • Melanoma: The most serious form. It can spread rapidly and become life-threatening if not caught early.
  • Less Common Types: Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and skin lymphomas are rarer but still significant.

Common Symptoms of Skin Cancer

While each type of skin cancer looks different, warning signs may include:

Tip: Use the ABCDE rule for mole checks—Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving.

Root Causes and Triggers Behind Skin Cancer

While UV exposure is the leading cause, functional medicine looks deeper at why your body developed cancerous changes. Contributing factors include:

  • Excessive UV Radiation: From sunlight or tanning beds, especially without sunscreen.
  • Weakened Immune System: Often due to chronic stress, poor gut health, or autoimmune disorders.
  • Toxin Accumulation: Pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors can damage DNA.
  • Oxidative Stress: Imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants that can damage skin cells.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Especially in vitamin D, selenium, zinc, and antioxidants.
  • Chronic Inflammation: From poor diet, infections, or gut dysbiosis.
  • Genetic Susceptibility: Family history increases risk, especially for melanoma.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing We Offer

Beyond biopsy and visual exams, we offer deeper functional insights:

Skin biopsy confirmation

Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, homocysteine)

Vitamin D and antioxidant status

Heavy metal testing (mercury, arsenic, cadmium)

Hormonal and immune profiling

Genetic and methylation panels

Food sensitivity and leaky gut testing

Liver detox and oxidative stress markers

Integrative Therapies for Skin Cancer Support

Our treatments don’t replace conventional care—but they enhance your body’s healing capacity before, during, and after treatment.

Nutritional & Anti-Cancer Diet Planning

We recommend anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich diets including:

  • Organic vegetables and low-glycemic fruits
  • Omega-3 rich foods like wild salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed
  • Herbs like turmeric, garlic, and green tea
  • Mushroom extracts (shiitake, reishi) to support immune function

IV Nutrient Therapy

Tailored infusions to support detoxification, immune defense, and oxidative stress, including:

  • Vitamin C (high-dose)
  • Glutathione
  • Alpha-lipoic acid
  • Selenium
  • Zinc and B-complex

 

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

We incorporate:

  • Green tea extract (EGCG)
  • Curcumin
  • Resveratrol
  • Milk thistle (liver detox support)

Astragalus and medicinal mushrooms (immune modulation)
All supplements are carefully prescribed based on your labs.

Detoxification Support

Skin is a major detox organ. We enhance its function through:

  • Infrared sauna therapy
  • Lymphatic drainage techniques
  • Liver and gut detox programs
  • Clean skincare consultations

Stress & Immune System Balancing

Chronic stress impairs immune surveillance of abnormal cells. We offer:

  • Meditation and guided breathwork
  • Acupuncture and energy healing
  • Adaptogens like ashwagandha and holy basil

Scar Prevention & Skin Rejuvenation

Post-surgery or treatment, we offer:

  • Natural topical healing agents (vitamin E, calendula)
  • PRP therapy for skin regeneration
  • LED light therapy and microneedling

Real Case Study: Mark’s Healing from Melanoma

Mark, 39, came to us after a stage 1 melanoma removal. He wanted to prevent recurrence and support his body’s healing.

Testing revealed:

  • Low glutathione levels
  • High oxidative stress
  • Poor detox pathways
  • Vitamin D deficiency

We created a 4-month plan with:

  • High-dose IV vitamin C
  • Antioxidant supplementation
  • Immune-boosting diet and mushroom extracts
  • Guided stress reduction

Mark’s energy improved, his labs normalized, and his dermatologist continues to report clear scans.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 No. But they can complement conventional care by supporting your immune system, detox organs, and overall health.

 We specialize in post-treatment recovery, immune strengthening, and reducing recurrence risk

 Yes—we use functional testing to assess inflammation, toxins, and immune markers often overlooked in standard care.

 Absolutely. We work in coordination with your medical team to support you holistically.

Yes. We customize your care to avoid interactions and support side-effect management.

 Primarily anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, and tailored to your labs.

 Our protocols include nutritional, herbal, and IV therapies that gently support liver and lymph function.

 Chronic stress weakens immune surveillance. Our integrative care includes stress management as a core pillar.

 Monthly self-checks and annual dermatologist exams are key. We teach you how.

.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

Make an Appointment