Skin Tumors
The skin is our body’s largest organ. It has a very complex structure containing various cells and tissues. Tumors are masses originating from these cells or tissues. Skin tumors can be benign or malignant.
Malignant Skin Tumors
The primary cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from the sun. UV-emitting electric lamps and artificial tanning sources can also cause skin cancer.
Those at highest risk:
- Fair-skinned individuals
- Those who freckle easily
- Those with many moles (nevi)
- Those with family history of skin cancer
- Those who spend excessive time outdoors
- Long-standing non-healing wounds
Malignant skin tumors can be categorized into 3 types:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common skin cancer. Slow-growing, does not spread, rarely life-threatening.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Common on lips, face and ears. Can spread to lymph nodes and sometimes internal organs.
- Malignant Melanoma (MM): Less common but the most dangerous type of skin cancer. If diagnosed early, it can be completely treated.
Benign Skin Tumors
There are hundreds of benign skin tumors including nevi (skin tags), seborrheic keratosis, epidermoid cysts, dermatofibromas, lipomas, dermoid cysts, lentigo, pyogenic granulomas, warts, milia, pilar cysts and syringomas.
If a lesion is not growing, changing color, bleeding, crusting or itching, and has regular borders, it is likely benign. However, if there is growth, bleeding, persistent itching or shape irregularity, surgical removal and pathological examination are absolutely necessary.
Treatment
Treatment varies by cancer type, growth stage and location. If the cancer is small, the procedure can be easily performed outpatient under local anesthesia. Larger or spread cancers may require extensive surgical interventions.
Plastic surgeons remove tumors without disrupting functional structures and with the most aesthetic outcome. Histopathological examination of the removed tissue confirms complete removal and checks for residual tissue.