Need a Lesion Removed from Your Scalp? Consider Mohs Surgery
Understanding how to properly care for and reduce the risk of spreading skin cancer is very important. One of the most common effects of skin cancer is lesions. Most lesions on the scalp go undetected and untreated. The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute are here to provide a minimally invasive surgical dermatology procedure to remove potentially dangerous lesions.
The Formation of Lesions
Common causes of cancer include smoking and use of tobacco, physical activity and diet, exposure to sun and other harmful radiation, and viruses. Skin cancer, specifically, is caused by exposure to the sun, particularly its UV rays. UV rays damage DNA, which results in skin cancer. Skin cancer then develops when the skin cells produce mutations during the division and replication of DNA during the creation of new cells. Mutations grow rapidly and cause irregular functions in the cells. The mutated cells build up to create skin that appears red, bumpy, and abnormal looking. These abnormal patches of skin are called lesions. A lesion can be cancerous or noncancerous, so it is important to visit a dermatologist to determine its nature.
Regular screenings are strongly encouraged to minimize chances of cancerous lesions going undetected.
Common Locations for Lesions
The second most common type of skin cancer is cancer on the scalp. This is typically due to unprotected exposure to the sun, and often goes unnoticed. Ways to limit risk of lesions on the scalp include avoiding extended periods of time in the sun and regularly checking your scalp for irregular patches of skin. In addition, individuals with fair skin should be especially careful in protecting their skin, as they are most susceptible to skin cancer. This is because lack of pigmentation results in less natural protection from the sun. However, people of all skin types should be careful and take the necessary steps in protecting their skin. By recognizing irregularities on your scalp, a dermatologist from Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute can set up a quick and easy consultation to determine the next steps in your surgical dermatology options.
Treatment
Mohs Micrographic Surgery provides an efficient and effective treatment to remove lesions. Removal of lesions can be done to prevent the spread of cancer, but also for commercial reasons, such as discomfort or dislike of appearance. The procedure removes the smallest amount of tissue, which is then taken to the lab and processed. A physician will examine the remaining edges of the skin to identify any skin cancer that may be left. Any tissue where skin cancer is identified will then be removed until the area is removed of cancer. Occasionally, the area will then be stitched, healed with a skin graft. Options for healing are discussed with the patient beforehand, and a suitable solution will be reached. A scar will result from most forms of treatment for skin cancer; however, Mohs Micrographic surgery is especially cautious and reduces the appearance scarring. This procedure works to conserve the most amount of normal skin, which helps minimize the size and discoloration of scars.
Lesions may seem intimidating and even a bit frightening, but Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute makes it easy to take the necessary steps in removing and preventing the spread of skin cancer. If you are in or around Bloomington, Illinois and have concern about your lesions, contact us. A dermatologist from Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute can diagnose and discuss treatment options with you.