Precancerous Lesions

Precancerous lesions are abnormal cells that, if not treated, can put you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. They usually show up as rough spots on the skin. They are typically pale pink or red in color and usually develop on sun-exposed areas of your skin. These are called actinic keratoses (patches that are small, rough, scaly, and flesh-colored).

At Desert Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists, we usually treat these types of lesions with a topical chemotherapy cream or a cryotherapy procedure.

The “ABCDE” rule is used by our Dermatologists to help determine the status of the lesion. Upon examination, this method will help us determine whether the abnormal growth may be melanoma. The “ABCDE” rule is as follows:

A symmetry (one half of the mole doesn't match the other)
B order irregularity (irregular shape)
C olor that is not uniform
D iameter greater than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
E volving size, shape, or color

woman face split showing dermatology areas of concern

If a new skin growth appears on your body that is irregular in size or color, or if you have a growth that you are concerned about, get it checked by a dermatologist right away. Once it is examined and identified, an appropriate action plan can be put in place to treat it accordingly. Melanoma may grow fast and can become life-threatening in as little as six weeks; therefore, early detection is critical! Please note that not all precancerous lesions progress into melanoma. You may be surprised to know that sun exposure is not the only cause of melanoma. In fact, it can appear in areas that have limited to no sun exposure. Melanoma can also spread to other parts of the body. Another form of melanoma is “nodular melanoma” which is a highly dangerous form of cancer, and it appears different than the most common melanomas. Skin cancer is a serious illness. It affects more than 3 million people in America every year! If you notice a growth and are concerned about it, or if a new skin growth appears on your body that is irregular in size or color, get checked by a trained dermatologist. The staff at Desert Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists have the training and tools to accurately diagnose and treat cancerous lesions! Call us today and have your concerns alleviated!

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PRECANCEROUS LESION DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

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