Dermatological Operations II
Dermatology dermatologic surgery,dermatology skin diseases, Operations
Varieties of Skin Cancer
? Growths on the skin are either non cancerous (benign) or cancerous
(malignant). Out of the 3 kinds of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma BCC
is the commonest and least malignant. It is a small shiny lump on the
skin exposed to sunlight. It may bleed, grow a crust, apparently and again
bleed. The growth is slow, although they can enlarge and penetrate deeper.
? Sqamous cell carcinoma SCC appears as an ulcer or a lumpy red scale
growth. It can spread beyond the skin to the internal organs and lymph
nodes and can be terminal.
? The least common melanoma is a serious skin cancer that looks like
a black or dark brown mole with irregular borders and colors. Other shades
of it include black, red, blue or white occurring in the lower legs of
women or upper back regions of women/men, scalp, face, fingers, toes etc.
A change in a mole can lead to larger problems with changes in symmetry,
color or development of crust, itches, bleeding or aches. See a dermatologist
straight away.
Treatments of Skin Cancer
Treatment can vary according to size, location and belligerence of the
cancer as well as the health of the patient. Generally, a small portion
of the growth is taken for biopsy by the dermatologist. If it is malignant,
the tumor will require further treatment.
Non Cancerous (Benign) Growths
A lot of non cancerous growths can be removed with dermatologic surgery,
and they include:
? Actinic Keratoses are reddish, rough, pre cancerous
lacerations that appear on the skin that is exposed to sun light. Treatment
procedures include: dermabrasion, curettage, cryosurgery, tropical chemotherapy,
laser, chemical peeling or photodynamic surgery.
? Seborrheic Keratoses are elevated warty brown or tanned
growths with a rough, thick surface that can itch or irritate with clothing
on. Treatment procedures include: curettage, shave excision and cryosurgery.
? Cysts are closed tiny sacs containing fluids or solids.
Treatment procedures include: surgery for improving cosmetic look, infection,
irritation etc.
? Warts are cancerous growths that consist of thick
coatings of skin, caused by virus. Warts can be developed by people of
all ages at any place on the skin. Treatment procedures include: medicines,
cryosurgery, electro surgery, cryosurgery, chemical injections, or laser
treatments.
? Moles are common as skin expansions that are usually
brown or tanned. Treatment procedures include: shave or surgical excision
for preventing cancers or irritations.
