Description Of Precancerous Lesions And Their Treatment
Changes in your skin that could lead to skin cancer often start as precancerous lesions. By learning about what to look for, one can get treatment before the lesion becomes cancerous.
One of the most common causes of skin cancer is too much exposure to the sun. When you notice little scaly patches of skin, sores that don’t heal, or moles that have suddenly changed, it is best to let your Dermatologist know that something has changed on your skin. There are a number of types of precancerous lesions, and they can appear on different areas of the body.
Actinic Keratosis is a lesion that is usually found on areas of the skin that receive high exposure to the sun and is the most common type of growth. It may appear as red, scaly bump or as wart-like growths. Acitinic Cheilitis is found on the lips, and may include swollen or scaly patches. Moles are very common and some moles can become cancerous. Moles that are changing or that are unusual should be checked.
Because any of these precancerous lesions have a possibility of becoming cancerous, they require treatment. One of the most common treatments is cryotherapy. This is when a liquid nitrogen solution is used to freeze the growth. A blister often forms, then scabs and falls off. New skin then grows back that is clear of the precancerous growth. For moles that have changed, they can be removed surgically in the office and checked in the laboratory to determine if there are any cancerous cells.
Remember to see your Dermatologist on a regular basis to be checked for suspicious skin growths. Early detection is very important curing of skin cancer.