Skin tumors
Skin tumors
Skin neoplasms are a cause for concern for many people who seek advice in order to deal with them. Skin tumors are divided in two categories: benign and malignant. They can be diagnosed by histopathological examination.
The most common benign skin tumors are:
- 1. Warts, mostly occur in the palms or the soles
- 2. Liver spots, seborrheic and actinic keratoses
- 3. Keloids, they are characterized by an excessive deposition of collagen and occur mostly on the ears (at the site of a piercing) and in the sternum area
- 4. Lipomas, they are benign tumors of adipose tissue and occur mostly on the forehead, the back and the limbs
- 5. Cysts, they are classified in the following categories: sebaceous cysts that usually occur on the head, epidermoid cysts that are usually caused by trauma, dermoid cysts that are due to congenital causes and the pilonidal cyst
- 6. Vascular malformations and hemangiomas
- 7. Moles (nevi) are also benign skin lesions and can be either congenital or acquired. A detailed clinical examination, a dermatoscopy and sometimes also a biopsy are necessary to evaluate a mole. If there is suspicion for malignancy, further analysis is carried out.
The most common malignant skin tumors are:
- 1. Basal cell carcinoma
- 2. Squamous cell carcinoma
- 3. Melanoma
The basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin carcinoma. Chronic exposure to sun is the most common cause of the disease. Furthermore, people with pale skin and blue or green eyes are more likely to develop this type of carcinoma. It mainly occurs at exposed areas of the face and the upper limbs. Diagnosing the disease is conducive to administering the necessary treatment that can be either conservative or surgical, depending on the clinical laboratory testing results.
It is the second most common malignant skin tumor and the most common tumor of the mucosa. As is the case with basal cell carcinomas, solar radiation is the main cause of this type of carcinoma, as well. Chronic exposure to chemicals and chronic ulcers can lead to the development of squamous cell carcinomas. This type of carcinoma mainly occurs on the face, the upper limbs and the torso. Squamous cell carcinomas can be more aggressive than basal cell ones, if they are not treated. Surgery is the most common form of treatment for this disease. Conservative treatment is administered only in certain cases.
Melanomas are the most malignant cancer type of the skin, the mucosas and the pigmented area of the retina. The high incidence of melanomas in recent years is connected to genetic and environmental factors. Three to four out of ten melanomas arise from pre-existing melanocytic nevi, while the rest of the cases form on their own and not over a previous lesion. People with many dysplastic nevi, pale skin and a history of childhood sunburns are likely to develop melanomas. Familial melanomas are also a predisposing factor. Early detection plays an important role in determining the optimal treatment.
A careful clinical examination can identify suspicious lesions. A biopsy and a histopathological examination determine whether these lesions are benign or malignant.
It should be noted that any change in the morphology of a mole should be examined. The ABCD(EF) system is a clinical prediction rule that aims at identifying such changes.
Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Color
Diameter
Additional criteria
Elevation
Family history
Although most moles are benign some can be dangerous, so it’s crucial to check them by examining 🔎 all the skin that is exposed to the sun 🌞 and even parts of the skin that is not exposed , e.g. soles of feet 🦶, iris 👁, the back of your body and genitalia
Benign skin tumor treatments are different from treatments of malignant skin tumors. A biopsy and a histopathological examination determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant. In cases when surgical treatment is required, the lesion is excised and the skin of the lesion area is restored. The surgical removal of most types of malignant lesions requires a certain level of specialization in complex procedures and techniques.
Dr. Varnalidis uses a variety of modern surgical techniques, such as skin grafting and using the least complex type of flap or free flaps to address complex problems.
Safeguarding your health is my number one priority.
Dr. Varnalidis always discusses and explains each procedure step by step. He also offers extensive post-surgery advice and is here to answer any question you might have, so that a smooth recovery and the best functional and aesthetic outcome are achieved.
