The skin, the largest and most versatile organ of the human body, protects the inner body from bacteria and injury. Because of its considerable size and location, the skin is highly vulnerable to a variety of diseases and disorders, some of which may require dermatologic surgery. Fortunately, most skin surgeries can be performed in a physician's office with minimal discomfort or risk. What are Signs of Skin Problems? Self-examination of the skin should be undertaken regularly to determine if any changes have occurred. Moles which change in size, color, shape or elevation should be brought to the attention of a physician. Persistent itching, oozing, crusting or bleeding of a lesion are warning signs that may indicate the presence of cancer. Immediate attention to these significant changes may prevent more serious complications later. Are Skin Cancers Common? Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. it is estimated that it will be diagnosed in approximately 500,000 Americans this year. According to medical experts, the principal cause of skin cancer is overexposure, to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. What are the Different Types of Skin Cancer? There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Basal Cell Carcinoma This tumor, the most common form of skin cancer found in Caucasians, is the least serious when treated in the early stages. The warning signs of basal cell carcinoma are an open sore that bleeds, crusts or oozes for three or more weeks; a smooth, elevated growth with rolled edges; a pink, red or white translucent or pearly nodule; and a yellow or waxy scar-like area with undefined borders covered with skin that is shiny and taut. This type of cancer does not spread to other parts of the body, but, if left untreated, can extend below the skin to the bone where serious damage can occur. Squamous Cell Carcinoma The second most common skin cancer found in Caucasians is squamous cell carcinoma which usually presents itself as red, scaly, or ulcerated patches. it is more frequently seen in fair-skinned people with sun-damaged skin. This cancer, left untreated, will increase in size, developing eventually into larger masses which can metastasize or spread. Malignant Melanoma The least common but most virulent of all skin cancers is malignant melanoma, the cause of death each year of over five thousand people. This disease can appear suddenly, anywhere on the skin. Moles, in particular, should be watched for signs of change. Dark-skinned as well as light-skinned people are susceptible and it is believed that heredity may play a role. Prompt attention to the warning signs of malignant melanoma is vital. Referred to as the ABCD's of self examination, they include asymmetric or irregular lesions rather than round, even ones; border irregularities with lesions that have notched, jagged or scalloped edges; color variegation showing different shades of tan, brown, and black with perhaps dashes of red, white and blue; and a diameter greater than one-fourth inch.
How are Skin Cancers Treated? After diagnosing a cancerous tumor, the physician must determine appropriate treatment based on the condition and the needs of the individual patient. There are several treatments of choice including surgical removal of the growth, curettage and electro-desiccation in which cancerous tissue is scraped away and the surrounding area cauterized, cryosurgery in which tissue is destroyed by freezing with liquid nitrogen, and radiation or x-ray therapy. What Are Some Other Skin Conditions That Can Be Treated With Surgery? Many people who want to improve their appearance will seek the services of a physician to surgically correct a variety of skin blemishes and disfigurements. These include birthmarks, moles, warts, age or liver spots, wrinkles, cysts, scars and actinic keratoses. Baldness can also be treated by surgical implants. Birthmarks At the time of birth or soon after, a vascular birthmark can appear anywhere on the body. These imperfections are called hemangiomas and consist of tiny blood vessels that are clustered together. Port wine stains of a deep red, blue or purple are the most common of these and, although previously difficult to treat, are now responding to laser therapy. Moles Small tan or brown moles are skin growths that are common to many people. Physicians frequently remove these moles through surgical excision to improve appearance, to prevent them from growing larger and to prevent them from becoming cancerous. Scars Scars which have formed on the skin as a result of acne, accidents, chicken-pox or surgery may be improved through various techniques including chemical peel, dermabrasion and excision. Dermabrasion involves the use of a spray medication which freezes the affected area after which it is "sanded" with an abrasive, rotary instrument. The desired result is to improve the condition inasmuch as scar tissue cannot be completely removed. Wrinkles Creases that result from aging, sun exposure or . other causes respond to a treatment involving chemical peeling in which a diluted acid mixture, applied to the skin, causes the top layers to peel, thus leaving a smoother surface. Dermabrasion can also be used to treat wrinkles. Actinic Keratosis, Seborrheic Keratosis and Cysts Actinic keratosis (thick, tough, reddish growths) and seborrheic keratosis (raised tan or brown growths) are usually treated with cryosurgery, dermabrasion, chemical peel or electrosurgery. Cysts, which are small, clogged sacs filled with fluid or solid matter, are usually removed by surgical excision. Baldness Baldness is a condition that can be improved by transplanting hair-bearing skin from other areas of the body to the head. Scalp reduction is another procedure that is designed to reduce baldness. in this procedure, areas of bald skin are surgically removed thereby reducing the amount of skin that is without hair. What Should I Do If I Have a Condition That May Require Surgery? If you have a question about a condition affecting your skin's health or appearance, you should discuss it with your physician. it is important to remember that skin diseases, diagnosed and treated in the early stages, can almost always be cured. While blemishes of the skin may not be injurious to health, they can cause unnecessary mental anguish and embarrassment. Today, many safe and virtually painless procedures are available to eliminate or reduce unsightly blemishes. Copyright © 2000 Contemporary Health Communications, Earth City, Missouri (Commercial use strictly prohibited) |
