Removal of skin lesions Sometimes, only a little bit is needed for the perfect appearance
Changes to the skin, whether they be moles, fibromas, age spots, are mostly harmless formations but can be an aesthetic nuisance, since they show on the face or other parts of the body that are usually exposed. We can accept them as a part of ourselves: sometimes a tiny spot on the cheek can be a beautiful feature, personal note or a sexy detail.
But such skin lesions on exposed parts of the body are annoying and give the impression of neglect, aging or indifference to personal appearance. For people, whose professional success is directly related to the impression they make o others, contact with clients is much more successful if they exude freshness, youthful energy and élan. Annoying lesions and skin growths have no place in such a context.
Some lesions can be removed dermatologically; others require surgical procedures. These lesions are cut out in the direction of the Langer's lines, which is the direction of the wrinkles of the skin. They are then stitched so that only a gentle and discreet scar remains.
Age spots can be scraped off the skin, so that in the place of the spot, there is initially a small abrasion, which in a few days heals and becomes normal healthy skin.
Sometimes, little things can cause great worries
The vast majority of skin legions are harmless, but those that have suddenly appeared, are irregularly shaped, unevenly coloured or very dark, grow quickly or are in the form of scabs, which never completely heal, are dangerous. Upon evaluating their appearance, they are removed. The cut tissue is examined under a microscope, to precisely define its nature and reliably determine whether it is benign or malignant. The treatment that follows depends on the results of this examination.
What are the most common results of this examination?
If we determine that the lesion is harmless, you can remain calm. It is possible that there was only a potential for risk, which means that it could have developed into cancer in the future.
Among malignant skin growths, there are three that are most common: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. All three forms occur on the skin surface (epidermis). The reason for the occurrence of all three forms is usually several years of excessive sun exposure. Unfortunately, many people are still convinced that successful holidays mean coming back with bronze coloured skin. People, who spend a lot of time outdoors, usually believe that "fresh air and sunshine" are not harmful and that they do not need protection. Numerous studies have proven that both opinions are wrong.
According to the findings of the New York Fund for skin cancer, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and in over 90 % of the cases, exposure to UV rays is the cause, whether in the form of short-term excessive exposure with sunburn (e.g. holidays at the seaside or in the mountains) or many years of exposure (e.g. outdoor workers and farmers).
The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. Luckily, it is also the least dangerous. It normally occurs after several decades of exposure to UV rays, which is why mainly older people, who spend most of their days outdoors are affected. However, the average age of those affected is decreasing! This type of cancer most frequently occurs on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun: the nose, eyelids, cheeks, ears and other parts of the body. Luckily, it usually does not spread, so removal of the tumour through freezing or cutting out the affected tissue is usually sufficient. Only surgical removal allows for a subsequent microscopic examination of the tissue and a precise answer to whether or not the removed tissue was malignant.
Squamous cell carcinoma can appear anywhere on the body, but usually in places that are most often exposed to the sun or have been in contact with radioactive chemicals (hands). Its appearance is similar to that of basal cell carcinoma, like an ulceration that does not heal. Squamous cell carcinoma rarely spreads; its treatment is similar to that of basal cell carcinoma.
Sometimes, little things can be fatal.
If the first two forms of cancer are only a nuisance and can be life-threatening only in cases of complications, malignant melanoma is seriously dangerous. Its frequency has been increasing from year to year, partly due to the longer average life expectancy and with this longer exposure to UV rays, partly because of the migration of fair-skinned Caucasians to places with intensive UV radiation. It also affects young people, spreads quickly and if not removed surgically in time, is fatal.
It begins as a mole, grows quickly and changes colour and shape. In its most aggressive form, it resembles an ulceration. It spreads quickly to the surrounding skin, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain and bones. Every year, it kills thousands of, mainly fair-skinned, people worldwide. It can only be cured if removed surgically and early enough. In advanced forms, immunotherapy and chemotherapy offer some help.
In addition to exposure to the sun, our genetic design is also an important factor concerning the occurrence of melanoma. People with close relatives, who have suffered from it, are more likely to be at risk. Caucasians are more at risk, especially those with a very fair complexion, blue, green or grey eyes. People who burn quickly in the sun are also at risk, as well as those who have freckles and those who suffered blistering sunburns in early childhood. Dark-skinned people are usually less sensitive, but no one is immune to the effects of excessive sun exposure.
Periodically examine the lesions and marks on your skin and check if their colour, shape or size has changed, etc. Your partner or friend should also take a look at your back and body parts not visible to you. Pay specific attention to a mole that has begun to bleed, hurt or itch.
If you notice any suspicious changes to your skin, do not put off visiting us. We will examine you, remove any moles if necessary, examine them and advise you on how to look after the health of your skin.
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