SKIN CANCER TREATMENT

Normal Moles - Most people have a number of small colored spots on their bodies-moles, freckles, birthmarks. The average young adult has at least twenty-five brown moles. A few of these spots are present at birth, while most others develop throughout life. Almost all moles are normal and remain so. However, a change in a mole or other spot on the skin may be the first sign of an early malignant melanoma or other form of skin cancer. Dysplastic Nevi (atypical moles) - These are unusual benign moles which resemble melanoma and indicate an increased risk.

NeoStrata creams and lotions are recommended for preventative care of potential skin cancers. Please click here to learn more. (Please send them to the cosmetic product link in medical spa)

Malignant Melanoma - Malignant melanoma is a serious skin cancer that arises in moles or in the tanning cells of the skin. In its early stages, when it can be easily treated, the disease is not life-threatening. But in later stages, malignant melanoma spreads or "metastasizes" to other parts of the body. At this point, treatment is not always successful.

Regular self-examinationis the best way to become familiar with the many moles and spots on the skin. Common moles and malignant melanomas do not look alike. You should inspect your moles and pay special attention to their sizes, shapes, edges and color. The images included on this page illustrate the earliest warning signs of malignant melanoma. Changes including skin-itchiness, tenderness, redness, swelling, softening, and hardening - these warning signs should prompt a visit to a physician. Call Poser Plastic Surgery to have Dr. Poser, a certified Plastic Surgeon, check these changes for you.

Dysplastic Nevi (atypical moles) - are unusual benign moles that may resemble melanoma. People who have them are at increased risk of developing single or multiple melanomas. The higher the number of these moles someone has, the higher the risk; those who have 10 or more have 12 times the risk of developing melanoma compared to the general population. Dysplastic nevi are found significantly more often in melanoma patients than in the general population.

Medical reports indicate that about 2 to 8 percent of the Caucasian populations have these moles. Heredity appears to play a part in their formation. Those who have dysplastic nevi plus a family history of melanoma (two or more close blood relatives with the disease) have an extremely high risk of developing melanoma. Individuals who have dysplastic nevi, but no family history of melanoma, still face a 7 to 27 times higher risk of developing melanoma compared to the general population—certainly a great enough risk to warrant monthly self-examination, regular professional skin exams and daily sun protection.

Regular self-examination is the best way to become familiar with the many moles and spots on the skin. Common moles and malignant melanomas do not look alike. You should inspect your moles and pay special attention to their sizes, shapes, edges and color. The images included on this page illustrate the earliest warning signs of malignant melanoma. Changes including skin-itchiness, tenderness, redness, swelling, softening, and hardening - these warning signs should prompt a visit to a physician. Call Poser Plastic Surgery to have Dr. Poser, a certified Plastic Surgeon, check these changes for you.

Skin Tag

A skin tag is a common benign skin growth that looks like a small piece of hanging skin. Skin tags are often described as bits of skin- or flesh-colored tissue that protrude from the surrounding skin from a small, narrow stalk. They normally occur in locations including the neck, underarms, eyelids, and under the breasts (especially where underwire bras rub directly beneath the breasts). Although skin tags may vary somewhat in appearance, they are usually smooth or slightly wrinkled and irregular, flesh-colored or slightly more brown, and hang from the skin by a small stalk. Early or beginning skin tags may be as small as a flattened pinpoint-sized bump around the neck. Some skin tags may be as large as a big grape.

DYSPLASTIC NEVI (atypical moles) are unusual benign moles that may resemble melanoma. People who have them are at increased risk of developing single or multiple melanomas. The higher the number of these moles someone has, the higher the risk; those who have 10 or more have 12 times the risk of developing melanoma compared to the general population. Dysplastic nevi are found significantly more often in melanoma patients than in the general population.

Medical reports indicate that about 2 to 8 percent of the Caucasian populations have these moles. Heredity appears to play a part in their formation. Those who have dysplastic nevi plus a family history of melanoma (two or more close blood relatives with the disease) have an extremely high risk of developing melanoma. Individuals who have dysplastic nevi, but no family history of melanoma, still face a 7 to 27 times higher risk of developing melanoma compared to the general population—certainly a great enough risk to warrant monthly self-examination, regular professional skin exams and daily sun protection.