Skin lesion is a broad term that refers to any abnormality in the character of your skin. Skin lesions come in all shapes, sizes, and types. Some are just unsightly, while others can be a serious health threat. We can help you assess the lesion and, in most cases, remove it for you. If your provider feels your lesion is questionable, DermaHealth will send in a tissue sample for a biopsy. Should that report show skin cancer, we will refer you to an appropriate physician for treatment and follow-up. If you have a skin lesion, do not pick at, scratch, squeeze, or irritate the area, as it can lead to infection and may worsen the condition.

The types of skin lesions we treat include warts, keloids, moles, skin tags, cholesterol deposits, milia, actinic keratosis, and seborrheic keratosis. The ABCDE lesion checklist can help you determine if you have a potentially serious skin lesion.

LESIONS: The ABCDE Checklist

  • Asymmetry: Lesions should be symmetrical. A line drawn through the middle of a lesion should create matching halves. If the lesion is asymmetrical, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
  • Border: Common moles have smooth, even borders. Early melanomas often have uneven borders and may have scalloped or notched edges.
  • Color: Common moles are usually a single shade of brown. Varied shades of brown, tan, or black are frequently the first signs of melanoma. As melanomas progress, the colors red, white, and blue may appear.
  • Diameter: Early melanomas tend to grow larger in size than common moles. If a lesion is larger than a pencil eraser or 6 millimeters or 1/4 inch in diameter, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
  • Evolution: Lesions should not dramatically change in size, shape, or shade of color.

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. This abnormal growth can lead to different forms of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and it is hard to stop once it spreads. Melanoma occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to the skin cells triggers mutations, causing the skin cells to rapidly multiply and form malignant tumors. Increased risk factors for developing melanoma include sun exposure, high quantity of moles on the body, naturally fair/light-colored skin, a history of melanoma occurrence, or a weakened immune system. Melanoma can be easily treated in its early stages, so don’t put off having a questionable or suspicious spot checked out by a physician.

For more information on our services and treatments for skin lesions, schedule a complimentary consultation with DermaHealth today, or read more below!