Patients and family practitioners advised to carefully check for signs of skin cancer

Aaron S. Farberg, MD, Arkansas Dermatology Skin Cancer Center, initially trained in plastic surgery, but developed an increasing interest in skin cancer. He decided to further his focus in dermatology and devote his career to treating skin cancer and other dermatologic concerns.

"Dermatology is a continuously evolving field that allows for the opportunity to see a variety of complex medical and surgical cases," Farberg said. "I am truly passionate about helping others; medicine is incredibly interesting and rewarding. It's the perfect blend of my interests in engineering, science and business."

Farberg said medicine is constantly evolving with the creation of new devices and technologies. He is currently working on developing genomic tests to help determine prognosis for various skin cancers - a topic on which he recently published a book, as well.

Skin cancer rates continue to increase every year. The most common type of cancer in the world is skin cancer (specifically basal and squamous cell). Farberg said that, unfortunately, people often ignore early signs and detection which can result in a deadlier outcome.

"I recommend performing a self-skin check every month," Farberg said. "Using a handheld mirror to assist, examine every inch of your skin - it doesn't take more than a couple minutes. You are looking for the ABCDE's of melanoma, or spots that are bleeding, crusting, painful, or changing."

He also recommends that family practice physicians and nurses carefully check patients for signs of skin cancer.

"The skin is quick and easy to examine during a routine physical," Farberg said. "Even with self-skin checks, it can be incredibly valuable for a physician to help identify areas of concern and recommend they see a dermatologist."

The evolution of treatments in acne has greatly impacted the field in a positive patient-centric way. Farberg said although there are a lot of over-the-counter acne treatments and internet skincare fads, it is important to see a dermatologist directly to address initial concerns which will get you on the right path to clearer skin.

The field of dermatology reaches far beyond cosmetics and acne. And patients don't have to get on a long waiting list to be seen.

"We are available to help any time and see same day appointments," Farberg said. He is accepting patients at locations in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Stuttgart and Russellville.

Farberg has published more than 50 articles in professional medical journals on topics including skin cancer, surgery, sun-protection/sunscreen, aesthetic treatments, regenerative medicine, and molecular testing in cancer. While in New York, he served as a consultant dermatologist for the New York Yankees.

Farberg has been a clinical investigator on several studies including FDA clinical trials. He has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including taking first place on several occasions at regional and national medical conference competitions.

He was lead editor for the October 2017 edition Dermatologic Clinics, a scientific journal that is published quarterly covering a diverse array of dermatology topics including covering technologies in the diagnosis of skin cancer. The full citation is Farberg AS, Rigel DS: Non-Invasive Technologies for the Diagnosis of Skin Cancer. Dermatologic Clinics. Elsevier. Oct 2017.

Farberg grew up in Wilmette on the North Shore of Chicago, Ill. A summa cum laude graduate of Emory University, he received his medical degree at the University of Michigan. Post graduate training included additional time at the University of Michigan in plastic and reconstructive surgery and, in New York, as a clinical research fellow in association with the National Society for Cutaneous Medicine and New York University.

He completed a residency in dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York where he served as chief resident.

He volunteers his time by mentoring several colleagues across differing medical fields and sharing experiences within his academic and professional career.

Farberg is married to his best friend, Jessie. They recently welcomed their first baby, Amelia, born in February. They also have a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog named Archie. They are enjoying a lot of family time together and love exploring new restaurants and taking hikes up Pinnacle Mountain.

Farberg and his wife are excited to be new Arkansans and look forward to following the Arkansas Travelers and the Hogs, besides his hometown Chicago Cubs.

They have been enjoying getting to know their new state.

"It's a beautiful state that's filled with kind, thoughtful, and generous people from all walks of life," he said.

For more information:

Level of Evidence Review for a Gene Expression Profile Test for Cutaneous Melanoma

Doctors think you don't use enough sunscreen

Study: Mercury Exposure Tied to Skin Cancer Risk