As of October 1, 2024, we will no longer be in network with UnitedHealthcare. We would be more than happy to see you as an out of network provider.
Please call our office for more details or to schedule an appointment.
Skip to main content

Blog Archive

Understanding Your Treatment Options for Actinic Keratosis Sep 17th, 2024

If you have a rough patch on an area of your skin that’s gotten plentiful sun exposure, you could be dealing with actinic keratosis. In the United States, about one in five adults develops this condition at some point.  While actinic keratosis isn’t malignant, it can lead to cancer if...

Skin Cancer Can Grow Under Your Nails Too: Know the Warning Signs Aug 5th, 2024

Your nails may be the last place you’d imagine skin cancer to unfold. For about 3% of people who develop melanoma, though, that’s exactly what happens.  Known as subungual melanoma, skin cancer that forms under your nail can be very serious. Thankfully, it’s also quite treatable, particularly when detected early....

5 Encouraging Facts About Lipoma Removal Surgery Jul 23rd, 2024

It can be a relief to find out that the lump beneath your skin isn’t a cancerous tumor but a lipoma. While these common masses of fatty tissue aren’t dangerous, they can still cause problems, such as pain, discomfort, or embarrassment. That’s where lipoma removal comes in. Dermatologic surgeons at ...

Does a Cyst Require Medical Intervention? Jun 17th, 2024

Cysts are so common that nearly everyone develops one at some point. While the fluid-filled lumps that form beneath your skin aren’t cancerous, they can pose problems of other kinds.  The team at Ali Hendi, MD, serving the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia areas, provides cyst removal at our...

Does Melanoma Always Appear as an Atypical Mole? May 16th, 2024

While melanoma only accounts for about 1% of skin cancers, it causes more deaths than other forms by far. Knowing what signs to look for can help ensure early detection, which can make all the difference in your prognosis. In fact, melanoma that’s treated before it spreads has a survival...

Life After an Organ Transplant: Understanding Your Increased Skin Cancer Risk Apr 2nd, 2024

Each year in the United States, surgeons perform nearly 30,000 organ transplants. While such a procedure may preserve your health or save your life, it comes with various risks — including an increased likelihood of skin cancer. Dermatologic surgeon and skin cancer specialist, Ali Hendi, MD, serving the Washington, DC,...

Basal Cell Carcinoma: All About the Most Common Form of Skin Cancer Mar 2nd, 2024

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and more people develop basal cell carcinoma (BCC) than any other form. In fact, it accounts for about 80% of all skin cancers.  While any cancer diagnosis can be daunting, it’s important to know that basal cell skin cancer is quite...

How Do Mindful Breathing Techniques Work Before Surgery? Feb 8th, 2024

Over 13 million surgeries are performed in the United States most years, often aimed at improved health and minimized symptoms. Just because surgeries are common and helpful, however, doesn’t mean you’ll feel 100% breezy about your own. It’s natural to experience some concern or anxiety leading up to a surgical...

How Does Mohs Surgery Work? Jan 10th, 2024

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, getting the most effective available treatment is probably at the top of your priority list. Ask most any expert what that treatment entails and they’re likely to recommend Mohs surgery.  Developed by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs in the 1930s, Mohs surgery has become...

What Are the Signs of Actinic Keratosis? Dec 5th, 2023

If you’ve noticed a rough, scaly bump or patch on your skin, you might be dealing with actinic keratosis. This condition that affects some 58 million Americans isn’t life-threatening, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Considered precancerous, actinic keratosis leads to skin cancer in some cases. Addressing the...

Black Men More Likely To Die of Melanoma, study shows Nov 14th, 2023

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes, which are the cells that control your skin’s pigment. And while it’s less common than other skin cancers, it’s also the most dangerous. A recent study that compared different races showed that Black men had a higher chance...

Revolutionary DermTech Test Can Help Detect Melanoma Early Oct 8th, 2023

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and melanoma is the most dangerous form. Thankfully, getting a melanoma diagnosis doesn’t have to lead to a worst-case scenario.  With early detection, melanoma that hasn’t spread to other parts of the body has a 99% five-year survival rate. So, how can you make...

Top Tips for Recovery After Mohs Surgery Sep 7th, 2023

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, you need effective treatment. And there’s usually nothing more effective than Mohs surgery. This specialized procedure gradually removes cancerous cells, layer by layer, until all of the cancer is gone. This method removes the cancer and leaves as much healthy tissue as possible....

What You Need To Know About Sunscreen and UV Rays Aug 1st, 2023

The sun’s rays can uplift you after cloudy or stormy days. They also help your body create vitamin D, which promotes bone strength. However, not everything about ultraviolet (UV) rays is positive. Excess UV exposure is linked with a range of health concerns, including skin cancer. The good news is you’re...

Is A Lipoma Serious? Jul 13th, 2023

If you’ve noticed a rubbery lump beneath your skin, you may be dealing with a lipoma. If so, should you be concerned?  While this condition isn’t dangerous, you still may benefit from treatment, depending on your symptoms. Ali Hendi, MD, and his dedicated team of professionals in Chevy Chase, Maryland, are...

How Does Meditation in Surgery Work? Jun 6th, 2023

Feeling anxious about an upcoming surgery isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s also not uncommon. In fact, about 75% of people facing a surgical procedure experience some amount of anxiety. And all of those feelings are well worth addressing. If you’re experiencing surgery-related anxiety, Ali Hendi, MD, and his...

What’s Involved with a Skin Cancer Biopsy? May 19th, 2023

If you have a suspicious mole or area of skin, a skin cancer biopsy may be in your future. Thankfully, the procedure is quick and minimally invasive. It may also make all the difference in your skin health and overall well-being. Ali Hendi, MD, and his dedicated team of professionals...

Signs of Melanoma Apr 6th, 2023

Melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancer, but it’s also more likely to spread and become serious. In other words, you don’t want to put off detection and treatment if you have melanoma.  Thankfully, when melanoma is addressed early on, it can often be effectively treated through surgery alone. Early treatment also...

Are Moles Dangerous to My Health? Mar 14th, 2023

Most everyone develops moles on their skin, and most are harmless. Ignoring your moles isn’t a good idea, however, considering that changes and certain traits could indicate the presence of cancer. And compared to other cancers, skin cancer is the most common form in the United States, affecting one in...

What Can Help My Intense Anxiety About Surgery? Feb 15th, 2023

If you feel anxious about an upcoming surgery, you’re far from alone. Research shows that some 60-92% of patients experience pre-surgery anxiety. And for more than half of patients, that anxiousness is significant. These are just some of the reasons that Ali Hendi, MD, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is happy...

I Have Several Moles: Should I Be Concerned? Jan 13th, 2023

Skin cancer is a very common and potentially serious disease. However, if you account for your risk factors and take early warning signs seriously, you can increase your chances of having a successful outcome. Detected and addressed early, patients with even the most serious form of skin cancer — melanoma...

What Are the Signs of Skin Cancer? Dec 13th, 2022

Your skin is your largest organ, and it’s the one most likely to develop cancer at some point. While that can seem daunting, it’s important to know that most skin cancers are highly treatable, especially if they’re addressed early on. At the practice of Ali Hendi, MD, in Chevy Chase,...

Why Is Mohs Surgery a Preferred Procedure for Skin Cancers? Nov 2nd, 2022

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, affecting about one in five people in the United States at some point. While any cancer diagnosis can feel scary, it’s important to know that most skin cancers are highly treatable when they’re detected early. And of all the available treatments, little compares to Mohs surgery. ...

A Closer Look at I've Been Diagnosed With Skin Cancer. Now Wha Oct 1st, 2022

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, affecting about one in five adults in the United States at some point. While being diagnosed with this disease can feel scary, it’s often very treatable. At the practice of Ali Hendi, MD, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Dr. Hendi and our...

A Closer Look at How We Can Get You Through Surgical Anxiety Sep 1st, 2022

Feeling anxious about an upcoming surgery is nothing to be ashamed about. Not only is it natural to experience some level of anxiety about a medical procedure, it’s also very common. In fact, one report showed that 60-90% of people experience significant anxiety before an operation. Thankfully, you don’t have...

Healthy Habits That Protect Your Skin Aug 1st, 2022

Your skin is your largest and, in many ways, most delicate organ. By taking good care of it, you’re helping your overall health.  Healthy skin care habits can help prevent skin cancer, for example, which is the most common type of cancer in the United States.  At the practice of Ali Hendi, MD,...

Things to Check Your Child's Skin For Jul 1st, 2022

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It’s also the most delicate in some ways, given that it’s exposed to the outside world. And everything from mild allergic reactions to cancer can affect it. While skin cancer is rare in kids, it can occur. Understanding the risk factors and what to look...

5 Skincare Tips for Preventing Cancer Jun 1st, 2022

About 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day in the United States, making it the most common form of cancer. And while there’s no sure way to completely avoid it, you can take steps to greatly lower your risk.  At the practice of Ali Hendi, MD, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Dr. Hendi and...

What to Expect After Mohs Surgery May 1st, 2022

If you’re headed toward Mohs surgery for your skin cancer treatment, you can feel very confident in the outcome. While no one wants to get skin cancer, this procedure is very successful and results in as little damage to the surrounding healthy tissue as possible. At the practice of Ali...

Am I at Risk for Skin Cancer? Apr 6th, 2022

More people develop skin cancer than any other type. Skin cancer is so common, in fact, that one in five people in the United States will develop it by age 70. And, sadly, more than two people die of the disease every hour.  While those statistics can seem daunting, there’s hope to be had....

Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Come Back? Mar 7th, 2022

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting an estimated one in five adults at some point. And more people develop basal cell carcinoma than any other type. This slow-growing form of skin cancer has a very high cure rate if it doesn’t spread,...

All About Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome Feb 7th, 2022

Basal cell nevus syndrome is an umbrella term for a group of irregularities caused by a genetic condition. This rare genetic disorder can affect many parts of your body and raise your risk for developing types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, the most common kind of skin cancer. At...

Cyst Removal: What to Expect Jan 1st, 2022

Cysts are noncancerous and usually harmless, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. Cysts can cause pain and get infected. Furthermore, cysts can cause embarrassment, especially if they’re located in a visible spot, such as your face or neck. In all of these cases, cyst removal can...

How is Melanoma Treated? Dec 12th, 2021

Melanoma isn’t a common form of skin cancer, but it is the most serious. More than 100,000 cases affect adults in the United States each year, according to the American Cancer Society, and that number has been increasing. And while it can develop at any age, the average age of...

What does Precancerous Skin Look Like Nov 15th, 2021

Spotting changes in your skin can be disconcerting, but how do you know if the changes are precancerous? Medically known as actinic keratosis, precancerous skin growths affect about 35% of people in the United States. And recognizing these growths is important when it comes to preventing skin cancer. Without treatment,...

Why You Might Need a Skin Cancer Surveillance Exam Oct 12th, 2021

What if all that was needed to ensure that your skin stayed as cancer-free as possible was to allow a professional to take a good look now and then? That’s exactly how skin cancer surveillance exams can benefit you and your well-being. During the roughly 15-minute exam, you’ll swap out...

4 Benefits of Meditation in Surgery Sep 9th, 2021

You have a surgery coming up and can't seem to move it from the forefront of your mind. You’re stressed, anxious, or deeply concerned. Even with the safest and most routine of surgeries performed by qualified professionals, these types of emotions are common and nothing to be ashamed of. At...

How to Know if You Have Basal Cell Carcinoma Aug 13th, 2021

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and more people develop basal cell carcinoma than any other type. While any cancer diagnosis can feel scary, basal cell carcinoma is very treatable and typically comes with a good prognosis if it’s detected early. Understanding the signs to look for...

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Lipoma or Cyst Removal Jul 21st, 2021

Lipomas and cysts aren’t typically dangerous, but they can cause pain and make those who have them feel self-conscious. These lumps, which usually occur on the face, armpits, neck, back, or chest, are similar in many ways, but cysts are fluid-filled, and lipomas consist of fatty tissue. At the practice...

5 Top Tips to Protect Your Skin Against the Summer Sun Jun 29th, 2021

Summer often means vacations, beach visits, and time in the pool. However, it can also mean a heightened risk for skin damage. Sun exposure is associated with many forms of skin cancer as well as cosmetic issues, such as increased wrinkles, fine lines, and sun spots. Thankfully, there are ways...

Recognizing Rare Types of Skin Cancer May 6th, 2021

Hearing you have any form of cancer can feel scary. And hearing you have a rare form might add to those emotions. However, it’s important to know that rare forms of skin cancer — including extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) — are often treatable. No one quite...

The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer Apr 8th, 2021

Your skin is your largest organ and one of the most likely places for cancer to form. One in five people in the United States will develop a form of skin cancer by age 70. Not all skin cancers are the same, however. The three main types are basal cell...

Recognizing a Seborrheic Keratosis (And Why It Matters) Mar 10th, 2021

Seborrheic keratosis may sound intense, but these skin growths are harmless. They’re also very common, affecting most people at least once in their lifetime. Recognizing whether you’re dealing with a seborrheic keratosis or something more serious is important, especially since certain forms of precancerous growths and even skin cancer can...

What’s Causing Your Cysts? Feb 3rd, 2021

Most cysts aren’t cancerous, and they don’t usually cause other health problems. Even so, that doesn’t mean cysts are fun. These nodules, which can develop in the skin or inside the body, contain a liquid, semisolid, or gaseous material. When it comes to the skin, these growths are especially common...

Everything You Should Know About the Mediterranean Diet Jan 10th, 2021

In the 1960s, researchers discovered that people in Mediterranean countries, such as Italy and Greece, had lower rates of heart disease compared to the United States and Europe. Out of this research was born the Mediterranean diet. By eating in ways similar to these heart-healthier populations, you may be able...

Common Risk Factors for Skin Cancer Dec 9th, 2020

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, affecting more than 3 million people in the United States each year. If the disease is found early, conservative treatments tend to be highly effective. At the practice of Ali Hendi, MD, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Dr. Hendi and his team...

Will a Plant-Based Diet Improve Your Surgery Recovery? Nov 12th, 2020

Eating a plant-based diet can give your body the nutrients it needs and also help reduce your risk of developing many chronic diseases. So it naturally follows that if you’re having surgery, eating a plant-based diet can help you recover better. At Ali Hendi, MD, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, our...

Ali Hendi, MD - a Dermatologist in private practice Oct 12th, 2020

A widely recognized skin cancer specialist, Dr. Hendi has been caring for patients in the Washington, D.C. area for over a decade. A board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs and reconstructive surgeon, he opened a state-of-the-art surgical facility, dedicated to the treatment of skin cancers, in Chevy Chase, Maryland in 2008.  Since...

Skin Cancer Screening: What to Expect During a Full-Body Skin Exam Oct 6th, 2020

Skin cancer is an umbrella term for several different types of cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer is on the rise — a 77% increase was reported from 1994 to 2014. In Maryland alone, 23% of all cancer diagnoses are melanoma. Thankfully, skin...

When Should You Worry About a Mole? Sep 8th, 2020

Almost everyone has a few moles on their body. Clinically known as “nevi” (plural) or “nevus” (singular), moles are usually harmless. You might be born with moles, or they could emerge during childhood or adolescence.  New or changing moles can be a sign of skin cancer, including melanoma — the...

What Dark-Skinned People Need to Know About Skin Cancer Aug 20th, 2020

Skin cancer is often thought of as something people with fair skin are at risk for. The truth is, people with dark skin can get skin cancer, and when they do they’re more likely to die from the disease.  Widely recognized skin cancer specialist Ali Hendi, MD, and his highly-skilled...

How to Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer Jul 24th, 2020

We’ve made it to summer! And we’re all a little bit relieved for it. But with everything happening, don’t forget that the risk of skin cancer is still present when you spend time in the sun.  In fact, one in five people, or 20% of the entire U.S. population, can...