Skin Lesions

As we age we see and feel changes in our skin. The skin becomes less hydrated, more wrinkled, and spots and growths appear. Most of these changes are natural, unavoidable, and harmless. Others can be symptomatic (itchy or painful), or develop changes consistent with skin cancer that require medical attention.	BEFORE	AFTER
The good news is that most skin problems can be prevented by avoiding the sun, refraining from smoking, and having routine examinations by your physician. The majority of lesions that require treatment can safely and painlessly be removed by Dr. Biskin in the office.

These minor procedures are covered by insurance .

Before and After Photos of Skin Lesions
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The following is a description and treatment plan for some of the most common skin lesions:

1. Warts are non-cancerous growths caused by the human papilloma virus. Common warts usually grow on the fingers, around the nails, and on the backs of the hands and are more common where skin has been broken (biting fingernails). In young children treating with over-the-counter topical medication will obtain favorable results but may take many weeks of treatment. For adults and older children cryotherapy (freezing), electrosurgery (burning) or even laser treatment can be utilized for more resistant warts. Plantar (foot) warts are difficult to treat because the bulk of the wart lies below the skin surface and surgical treatment is frequently required. 
   
   
2. Skin tags are benign growths that usually occur on the neck or underarms. They are removed by excision.
   
   
3. Lipomas are fatty growths that can present anywhere as a lump of any size under the skin. These are non-cancerous but can be unsightly and/or cause pressure symptoms. Excision in the office with local anesthesia is all that is usually required.
   
   
4. Cysts are sacs of fluid or solid material that commonly occur on the head or back that if not surgically removed by a qualified physician can become infected, requiring several operations and weeks of painful dressing changes.
   
   
5. Cherry Angiomas are harmless red raised bumps that are usually caused by dilated blood vessels on the trunk. Electrocautery, laser surgery, or surgical excision will eliminate these lesions.
   
   
6. “ Age spots ” or “ liver spots ” are flat brown spots that have nothing to do with the liver and are caused by the sun. They can look like melanomas. Prescription topical medications and laser treatments can be utilized to help fade these lesions.
   
   
7. Actinic Keratoses are red or brown scaly spots that if ignored may develop into skin cancers. In the early stages they can be removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen, applying a chemotherapy cream, microdermabrasion, or simple surgical excision.
   
   
8. Seborrheic Keratoses are brown or black raised spots or wart-like growths that look like they were stuck on the skin surface. These are not pre-cancerous and are common in older people. These can be removed by simple excision.
   
   
9. Moles are usually brown skin growths of various sizes usually surgically removed to eliminate the possibility of cancer but also for symptomatic (irritating) or cosmetic reasons.
   
   
10. Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and is recognized as a small shiny bump or pinpoint red bleeding area on the head, face, nose, neck or chest. Squamous Cell Carcinoma typically develops on the rim of the ear, face, lips or back of hands. These are more common in older fair-skinned people with blond or red hair and blue or green eyes. Contrary to squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell skin cancers grow slowly and rarely spread. When treated early both of these skin cancers have a 95% cure rate.
    
    
11. Malignant Melanoma is less common but a more serious form of skin cancer. It usually appears as a dark brown or black mole-like growth with irregular borders and variable colors. It can affect anyone of any age but men over 50 are at the highest risk. A severe sunburn at an early age is a strong risk factor. The most frequent site is the upper back. The chest and abdomen in men and the lower legs in women are also common. Any change in an existing mole or the rapid appearance of a new mole should be examined immediately by a knowledgeable physician.