Skin Lesions

What types of lesions are there?

There are several types of skin lesions, each with different causes, appearances, and levels of concern. Understanding the differences can help you determine when to seek medical advice.

• Benign lesions: These non-cancerous lesions include conditions like moles, skin tags, seborrheic keratosis, and cysts. While most benign lesions are not harmful, some may grow larger, become irritated, or change in appearance. Regular monitoring is essential to catch any changes early.
• Premalignant lesions: These lesions have the potential to develop into skin cancer over time. A common example is actinic keratosis, which usually appears as dry, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin. If left untreated, they can progress into squamous cell carcinoma.
• Malignant lesions: These are cancerous lesions and can include types like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Skin cancers can be dangerous if not detected and treated early. If you notice any changes in the shape, size, or colour of a mole or lesion, it’s important to see a dermatologist right away.
• Infectious lesions: These lesions are caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections and include conditions like warts, cold sores, impetigo, and fungal infections. While they’re generally treatable, some can spread or become more serious if left unchecked.

How to identify if I have a lesion?

Knowing what to look for can help you determine whether a lesion needs medical attention. Here are some common signs to watch out for:

• Changes in size, shape, or colour: A mole or spot that suddenly grows, changes shape, or has irregular borders may be a sign that it needs to be checked for possible skin cancer. Melanoma and other types of skin cancer often present as new or changing spots on the skin.
• Itching, bleeding, or pain: If a lesion starts to itch, bleed, or become painful, it could be a sign that it’s infected or potentially cancerous. Bleeding moles or growths should always be evaluated by a dermatologist.
• New or unusual growths: Any new mole, bump, or growth that appears on your skin, especially after the age of 30, should be examined. New moles that develop over time may require further investigation, as changes in existing moles or the sudden appearance of new growths can indicate underlying health concerns.

If you’re unsure or concerned about any skin lesions, I recommend scheduling an appointment for an expert skin evaluation. Early detection and diagnosis can make all the difference.

Treatment of lesions

Treatment for a skin lesion will depend on the type, size, and location of the lesion, as well as whether it’s benign or malignant. Here are some common treatment options:

• Excision: Surgical removal is often the best option for benign lesions like moles, cysts, or skin tags that are bothering you. If the lesion is suspicious of cancer, removal is crucial for diagnosing and treating skin cancer.
• Cryotherapy (Freezing): For lesions like warts, actinic keratosis, or other precancerous spots, cryotherapy can be used to freeze and remove the abnormal tissue. It’s a quick, effective treatment with minimal downtime.
• Topical Treatments: Some precancerous lesions or superficial skin cancers can be treated with topical medications. These treatments help destroy abnormal cells on the surface of the skin.
• Laser Therapy: Lasers can be used for various skin conditions, including unwanted moles, sun spots, and pigmented lesions. Laser treatments are also effective for certain cosmetic lesions and can help improve the appearance of the skin.
• Mohs Surgery: For skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly precise technique that removes cancerous tissue layer by layer. This method ensures that the cancer is completely removed while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.

Whatever the lesion, I’m here to help you understand your treatment options and guide you toward the best solution for your skin’s health.