Dr. Jody Ganz of Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics recently returned to WSB Radio’s “The Weekly Check-Up” with Dr. Bruce Feinberg for a wide-ranging conversation about skin health, skin cancer, hair loss, and several common dermatologic conditions. Joining Dr. Ganz in the studio was Dr. Lawangeen Zeb, a board-certified dermatologist who recently joined Olansky and brings additional fellowship training in dermatopathology.
The episode aired on August 30 on 95.5 WSB, Atlanta’s News & Talk.
A key focus of the conversation was the relationship between dermatology and dermatopathology, including how examining tissue under a microscope can provide valuable insight into a patient’s diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Ganz explained that her own experience reading pathology has helped inform the way she approaches biopsies, allowing her to consider what type of sample will provide the pathologist with the most useful information.
The discussion also touched on Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. Dr. Ganz emphasized that treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including dermatology, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. She also discussed the role of newer immunotherapy treatments, which have helped improve outcomes for some patients with advanced skin cancers. Dr. Zeb cautioned that even when a skin cancer appears to be healing on the surface, cancer cells may remain beneath the skin—underscoring the importance of appropriate follow-up and microscopic evaluation.
Dr. Ganz also highlighted the importance of regular, comprehensive skin examinations. A full-body skin exam can identify suspicious spots in areas patients may not routinely check, including the scalp, between the toes and other less visible areas. She noted that while many people associate skin cancer with unusual brown moles, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers can appear as pink or otherwise subtle spots. Any new or unexplained spot that persists should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.
Hair loss was another major topic during the broadcast. Dr. Ganz explained that hair loss can have multiple causes occurring at the same time, from age-related thinning and thyroid problems to hair breakage and autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata. She discussed how dermatologists evaluate hair loss by looking beyond the scalp, considering the eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair, as well as a patient’s medical history and medications. She also noted that thyroid function, anemia and iron levels are among the factors she commonly evaluates when assessing patients with hair loss.
The doctors also addressed seborrheic dermatitis, a common condition associated in part with Malassezia, a type of yeast that normally lives on the skin. Dr. Ganz discussed the connection between the condition and the skin’s microbiome, explaining that the goal is not necessarily to eliminate these organisms entirely, but to manage the inflammatory response they can trigger.
Finally, Dr. Ganz and Dr. Zeb answered questions about toenail fungus, including how the condition is diagnosed and the differences between topical and oral treatments. Dr. Ganz emphasized that not every thickened or discolored nail is necessarily caused by fungus, making confirmation of the diagnosis an important first step before treatment.
From skin cancer and hair loss to everyday conditions that can be frustrating or difficult to diagnose, Dr. Ganz’s appearance on “The Weekly Check-Up” highlighted the value of comprehensive, individualized dermatologic care. With expertise spanning medical, surgical, and diagnostic dermatology, the team at Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics is committed to helping patients better understand their skin, hair and nail health.
Listen to the full episode of “The Weekly Check-Up” to hear more from Dr. Ganz and Dr. Zeb. To schedule an appointment with an expert dermatologist at Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics, visit olanskydermatology.com or call 404-355-5484.
