11 Feb I Have a Lesion, Now What?
If you’ve been told by a friend or doctor that you have a lesion on your skin, you might start to worry. However, RefinedMD regularly removes these unsightly areas, and there’s no need for panic in most cases. A skin lesion can be any type of discolored area, bump, or lump on the skin. Some of the most common lesions are moles and skin tags. The name “lesion” can sound more serious than it is, but it is worth checking out.
While most moles and other oddities on the skin are harmless, in some cases they can be signs of something more serious. An irregular mole can sometimes be a sign of skin cancer, but only a dermatologist can biopsy and diagnose skin cancer. Legally, all moles need to be biopsied if they are removed by a dermatologist. It’s for the safety of the patient as well as peace of mind. (The good news? Biopsies are often covered by insurance, so some patients ask about mole removals for esthetic purposes but may have insurance cover the procedure.) Lesions that aren’t moles, such as skin tags, do not need to be biopsied.
Common Conditions
Skin tags are completely harmless but can be concerning if one suddenly appears. These strange growths simply happen and are sometimes caused by the friction of skin rubbing against itself. Discolorations might be caused by sun damage, old acne scars, or may be the faint beginnings of “liver spots.”
Even though most skin lesions aren’t dangerous, they can be distracting and lower self-esteem. There are many ways to remove them, including laser skin resurfacing. With over 20 lasers on-site, your dermatologist will choose the perfect solution for your skin and goals. Clearer skin looks younger, healthier, and you’ll be eager to show it off.
Facts About Skin Cancer
Nothing is scarier than the “Big C,” and the Skin Cancer Foundation has some startling facts about the various types of skin cancers. We encourage everyone to schedule an annual skin check and take precautions when it comes to minimizing sun damage. According to the Foundation, 90 percent of aging is caused by sun damage, but aging is just one reason to slather on the sunscreen (and re-apply every two hours).
Over 5.4 million non-melanoma skin cancer instances are treated every year in the US alone. That’s over 3.3 million people. In the US, there are more skin cancer diagnoses than any other type of cancer combined. Twenty percent of Americans will have some form of skin cancer by the time they turn seventy, and if you have actinic keratosis (considered “pre-cancer”) it’s doubly important to stick with your skin check regimen. Over 58 million Americans are estimated to have pre-cancer.
Melanoma Must-Knows
Since 1994, nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnoses and treatments have increased 77 percent—even though knowledge of skin cancer has also increased. Around 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are linked to UV exposure. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common types of skin cancer, and there are 4.3 million cases in the US every year. This leads to around 3,000 deaths per year. Next up is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with one million cases in the US each year. However, it’s deadlier and is connected to 15,000 annual deaths. If you’re an organ transplant patient, you are 100 times more likely to develop SCC. Use sunscreen daily to reduce your risk of developing SCC by up to 40 percent.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of any cancer, and every hour someone in the world dies of it. In the past ten years, there’s been a 53 percent increase in the diagnoses of melanoma. About 9,300 people die in the US each year from melanoma, and the majority are men.
However, there is good news. Sunscreen is the number one way to minimize your risk of skin cancer and it’s never too late to start. Annual skin checks are paramount for early diagnosis and treatment. Schedule your skin check today by calling RefinedMD or completing the online form now.