Without doubt, the most common question we’re asked is – what is this thing on my skin? Many of us have skin imperfections which can develop over the course of our lives and tend to increase and enlarge as we age. While moles, cysts, skin tags and lesions are common skin conditions, they can be irritating and uncomfortable. Thanks to the latest techniques, they can be effectively removed from the face and body to restore the comfort and appearance of your skin.
Basal Cell Cancers
Basal-cell cancer (BCC) is also known as basal-cell carcinoma and it is the most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas are usually found on areas of the body exposed to the sun. This cancer is not to spread from your skin to other parts of your body, but it can move nearby into bone or other tissue under your skin. BCCs arise from abnormal, uncontrolled growth of basal cells.
Cysts
Cysts are abnormal, closed sac-like structures within a tissue that contain a liquid, gaseous, or semisolid substance. Cysts can occur anywhere in the body and can vary in size. Cysts can occur almost anywhere in the body for example, on the face, scalp or back, behind the knee, arm, groin, and within organs like the liver, ovaries, kidneys, or brain.
Lipoma
A lipoma is a growth of fatty tissue that slowly develops under your skin. Common locations include upper back, shoulders, and abdomen. A lipoma can be described as a rubbery bulge that feels like it can move. Lipomas tend to grow slowly, often over a period of months or years. In less common cases, they may also form in internal organs, bones, or muscles. People of any age can develop a lipoma, but children rarely develop them.
Malignant Melanoma
Melanoma is also known as Malignant Melanoma, is a type of skin cancer. Melanoma is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage. Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to start on the trunk (chest and back) in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites. Melanoma can also occur in the eyes and other parts of the body, including the intestines. And it is relatively rare in people with darker skin.
Moles and Cysts
Moles are small skin growths. Most moles do not turn into melanoma. However, people with multiple atypical moles have a greater risk of developing the skin cancer. Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black and it can be appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. It is also known as nevi.
Cysts present as lumps under the skin. Cysts are sacs that form and get filled with an oily or cheese-like substance. Most are harmless but can grow and become inflamed, infected, swollen, or tender. It is important to not squeeze or manipulate them. Cysts are common and can occur anywhere in the body in people of any age.
Moles and Skin Blemishes
Most moles & skin blemishes are completely harmless. Moles are small patches on the skin that form due to collections of cells called melanocytes, which produce the colour (pigment) in your skin. The scientific name for moles is melanocytic naevi.
A blemish is any type of spots, discoloration, mark or flaw on the skin. Skin blemishes can be removed with various forms of burning or freezing such as cautery, laser or liquid nitrogen. Your plastic surgeon will inform you as to the best way to remove your unattractive blemishes. Some blemishes, however, can signal skin cancer.
Skin Lesions
A skin lesion is a part of the skin that has an abnormal growth or appearance compared to the skin around it. They are often bumps or patches, and many issues can cause them. Most skin lesions are benign though some, such as actinic keratosis and certain moles, can be a pre-cursor to a skin cancer or already a skin cancer.
Squamous Cell Cancers
Squamous cell cancer (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that begins in the squamous cells, and it is also known as squamous cell carcinoma. SCC often develop scaly, red patches, open sores, or warts on their skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It’s usually found on areas of the body damaged by UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Sun-exposed skin includes the head, neck, chest, upper back, ears, lips, arms, legs, and hands.