Skin Lesion Removal Specialist

What are skin lesions?

Skin lesion is a broad term referring to any type of growth on your skin or to an area of your skin that looks different from the surrounding skin. Some types of lesions are harmless, while others signal an infection or skin cancer.

Acne, freckles, and skin rashes are common lesions. Other types of skin lesions include:

• Moles
• Skin tags
• Age spots
• Lipomas
• Seborrheic keratoses
• Dermatofibromas
• Epidermoid cysts

The lesions in this list are generally harmless, except for one: moles. The cells inside moles can start to grow abnormally and turn into melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.

What should I know about skin cancer?

The top cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from sunlight or a tanning bed. These are the primary types of skin cancer and how they may appear:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

The most common type of skin cancer, BCC may look like raised pink or white bumps, bumps that resemble moles, a sore that heals and reopens, or a flat, scaly scar.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC, the second most common skin cancer, often begins as dry, scaly lesions called actinic keratoses. These lesions are benign at first, then they gradually become cancerous.

Melanoma

Though melanoma is the least common skin cancer, it’s the most deadly type. Melanoma often develops from an existing mole, but it can also appear as a new mole-like skin lesion.

When a mole begins to transform into cancer, its appearance changes. Moles that get bigger or change their shape or color should always be examined by your provider at Midwest Regional Health Services.

When should I have a skin lesion removed?

Your provider at Midwest Regional Health Services examines all the lesions on your skin, identifying any that should be removed for health reasons. Skin lesions are always removed if they pose a risk for cancer. They’re also removed if they’re infectious, painful, uncomfortable, itchy, or bleeding. You can also choose to have any lesion removed if it affects your appearance.

How are skin lesions removed?

The experts at Midwest Regional Health Services have extensive experience using several techniques to remove skin lesions. Your provider chooses one of the following methods, depending on the size, location, and type of lesion:

• Shave excision
• Scissor excision
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Full-thickness skin excision
• Curettage and electrodesiccation

Some lesions, such as actinic keratoses and seborrheic keratoses, may be treated with topical medications.

If you’re concerned about a skin lesion, call Midwest Regional Health Services or use the online booking feature to schedule a skin exam.