A skin neoplasm is an unusual growth on your skin. The word neoplasm is sometimes used interchangeably with cancer, but neoplasms can also be noncancerous. You might also hear neoplasms referred to as tumors. Show
The cells in your skin grow and divide as needed. When you don’t need them anymore, they die. However, sometimes cells continue to grow when they shouldn’t. This causes neoplasms. Some neoplasms are considered precancerous. While some doctors use the term in slightly different ways, it generally means that a neoplasm may turn into cancer if left untreated. In some cases, these growths go away on their own, but sometimes they may gradually turn into cancer. For example, actinic keratosis (AK), also called solar keratosis, involves rough, scaly growths that form on skin that’s been exposed to ultraviolet light. AKs can sometimes resemble warts. They may be pink or flesh-colored. If left untreated, they can turn into a type of squamous cell skin cancer. Another common precancerous growth is squamous cell carcinoma in situ, sometimes called Bowen’s disease. Latin for “in its original place,” in situ means that the unusual cells are only in the upper layer of skin called the epidermis. Squamous cell carcinoma in situ often forms as red, scaly patches that can itch. When left untreated, it can turn into squamous cell carcinoma. In addition to being labelled as malignant or benign, some neoplasms are categorized as having uncertain behavior. This means your doctor needs more information to determine whether your neoplasm is malignant or benign. In other words, they don’t know whether it has the potential to spread. If your doctor finds a neoplasm of uncertain behavior, they’ll likely perform a biopsy. This involves taking a small tissue sample from the affected area and testing it for cancer. Whether or not you have a skin neoplasm, it’s important to regularly check your skin for any new growths. Once a month, stand in front of a mirror and examine your entire body, including hard-to-see areas, such as the back of your neck and the bottoms of your feet. The American Academy of Dermatology has a downloadable body map and chart you can use to keep track of any growths you find. Taking regular notes will also help you stay on top of any changes. You can guide your self-exam by following the ABCDE method for detecting melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Each letter corresponds to a trait you should look for:
Additional signs to watch for include:
If you find any of these traits anywhere on your body, contact your doctor as soon as possible. While these signs don’t necessarily mean you have skin cancer, it’s best to get it checked out immediately. The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the easier it can be to treat. Learn more about screening yourself for skin cancer. If you notice any sort of new growth on your skin, it’s best to make an appointment with a dermatologist. You can ask your doctor to refer you to one. During your appointment, your dermatologist will likely ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle. Make sure to tell them about anything that might increase your risk of skin cancer, such as having:
Next, they’ll take a look at the spot in question. Depending on what they see, they may do a biopsy to determine whether it’s benign or malignant. There are three main types of skin biopsy:
Your dermatologist will send your skin sample to a laboratory where it’ll be tested for cancer. Once they have the results, they’ll go over them with you and help you determine a treatment plan if needed. Learn more about what to expect during a biopsy for skin cancer. A skin neoplasm is an unusual growth on your skin. They’re often categorized as benign, malignant, or precancerous. You might also hear your doctor refer to uncertain behavior if they’re not completely sure about whether a neoplasm is cancerous or not. Regardless of whether you have an existing skin neoplasm, it’s good to get in the habit of doing regular skin self-exams to check for any new growths or changes to old ones. Which dermatological condition is an inflammation of the follicles?Folliculitis is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles become inflamed. It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing.
Which of the following is a cardiac diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the heart through the placement of electrodes on the chest and limbs?An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical signal from the heart to check for different heart conditions. Electrodes are placed on the chest to record the heart's electrical signals, which cause the heart to beat.
Which type of malignant tumors of cartilage is most often found in the hip femur?Chondrosarcoma primarily affects the cartilage cells of the femur (thighbone), arm, pelvis, or knee. Although less often, other areas (such as the ribs) may be affected. Chondrosarcoma is the second most common type of primary bone cancer.
Which medications are prescribed for the severe inflammation that occurs in contact dermatitis?If your skin is also sore and inflamed, a GP may prescribe a topical corticosteroid (a cream or ointment applied directly to your skin) that can quickly reduce the inflammation. When used as instructed by a pharmacist or doctor, corticosteroids are a safe and effective treatment for contact dermatitis.
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