Other Skin Growths

General DermatologySkin CancerSkin Conditions

Mar 12

Written By Dermatology of North Asheville

There are many different types of skin growths, most are “benign”, which means that they are not harmful. Some skin growths are “malignant” or “pre-malignant” which means they are cancerous or evolving into a cancerous lesion. Dermatologists are trained to examine the skin and differentiate between a benign, pre-malignant, and malignant lesion. If the spot is suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended. The biopsy procedure involves removal of a small area of skin for microscopic evaluation by a pathologist. If the skin growth appears benign and removal is desired there are a number of ways to achieve removal depending on the location and size of the spot in question.

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Self Skin Exams

By doing a simple skin self-exam every month, you can improve your chances of finding a melanoma early. In addition to doing routine skin self-exams, you should have your skin checked regularly by a physician.

Intertrigo

People with intertrigo tend to have irritated red skin in the skin folds. This can occur in any place where the skin comes in contact with skin, such as the underarm area, under the breasts, and in the skin folds of the abdomen or groin.

Melanoma

Skin cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin. Melanoma accounts for approximately 1% of all skin cancers but unfortunately accounts for the majority of skin cancer related deaths. In 2019, melanoma is expected to take the lives of 7,230 Americans.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for approximately 20% of all skin cancers. It usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly people, especially those who are fair-skinned. It is more common in people who have regular prolonged sun exposure.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) accounts for over 75% of all skin cancers. It usually occurs in middle-aged and elderly people, especially those who are fair-skinned. It is more common in people who have regular prolonged sun exposure.

Rosacea

Rosacea causes redness in the central face and nose and is often associated with acne-like bumps. There are several different types of rosacea.

Acne

Acne occurs when hair follicles become blocked due to build-up of excess skin cells and oily secretions of the skin. The factors that contribute to this “clogging” of the pores are influenced by many factors most notably hormones involved in growth.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease in which autoimmunity plays an important role. In psoriasis the immune system targets the skin and leads to inflammation which looks like red scaly patches on the body.