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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 or 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 comon of all cancers. It is estimated that
it will be diagnosed to approximately 500,000 Americans this year.
According to medical experts, the principal cause of skin cancer is
over-exposure 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 or 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.
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A
ASSYMETRY |
B
BORDER IRREGULARITY |
C
COLOR VARIED |
D
DIAMETER |
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Scalloped or poorly circumscribed border
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Color varies from one area to another;
shades of tan and brown; black; sometimes white,
red or blue
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Larger than 6mm
as a rule
(diameter of
pencil eraser)
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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, rough, reddish growths) and seborrheic
keratosis (raised tan or brown growths) are usually treated with
cryosurgery, dermabrasion, chemical peel or electrosurgery. Cysts,
which are small, 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, please contact our office. 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.
If you would like more information about Dermatologic Surgery, please
contact our office for an appointment.
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