PRECANCEROUS
GROWTHS
What
is it?
There are a number of "precancerous" growths that, if left
alone, may turn into skin cancer over time. Recognizing
these precancerous skin growths and treating them will often
avoid skin cancer altogether.
Dysplastic
Nevus
One
of the most concerning is the dysplastic nevus. These moles
are quite common, and often run in families. They can be
identified as they usually have one or more abnormal components
(as described in The ABCDs
section). (The dysplastic mole pictured has a border
that is not smooth and has more than one color.) Dysplastic
nevi have a propensity to turn into melanoma, though not
all of them will. Yet given the seriousness of melanoma,
it is recommended that dysplastic nevi be either removed
or followed closely (e.g., have a doctor look at it every
3 - 6 months) to watch for any change that might indicate
it is transforming into the deadly cancer.
Aktinic
Keratosis
The most common precancerous skin growth is called an actinic
keratosis (AK). Patients who have these commonly have a
history of extensive cumulative sun exposure. The most
common locations for these growths are the face, neck, rims
of the ear, and on the backs of hands and forearms. The
upper chest and upper back are also common sites. (Non-sunlight
induced actinic keratoses can be caused by exposure to X-rays,
radium, and other chemicals such as arsenic.)
What's
it look like?
Actinic keratoses range in size from microscopic to several
centimeters in size. They have a roughened sandpaper-like
feel. They may be red, irritated, and mildly tender to touch.
|
|
|
|
|
Actinic
keratosis of forehead
|
Another
AK of the forehead
|
Multiple
AKs on the scalp
|
How
do I avoid getting these?
Prevention is the best way to avoid these diseases. Though
these growths can develop anywhere on the body, and are
not always caused by sun-damage to the skin, many precancers
are caused, or turn into cancer, by repetitive sun-exposure
and chronic damage. Minimizing sun exposure will significantly
decrease the risk of getting precancer and cancer. Avoiding
sunburns and wearing sunscreen on all exposed skin (with
an SPF of 15 or better) is important in preventing these
diseases. Keeping a good lookout for changing moles is the
key to finding melanoma early.
How's
it treated if I get it?
Treatment of dysplastic nevi is done by removing the abnormal
mole or by close follow-up by the doctor. Removing dysplastic
nevi is straight-forward, and can usually be done by your
family physician in 15 minutes and with minimal discomfort.
The procedure is as follows: the surrounding skin and atypical
mole are cleaned and a small amount of lidocaine (Novocain,
or similar) is injected shallowly into the skin. The mole
is then gently cut out. A stitch or two may be needed depending
on the size of the mole. Though it is called surgery, removing
a small mole is as surgical as lightly skinning your knee
(and actually hurts less).
Treatment
of actinic keratosis is done by destroying the abnormal
cells. This is usually done by freezing the skin with liquid
nitrogen at the doctor's office. Other techniques include
using a prescription cream (5-flurouracil) on the abnormal
skin. Interestingly, nearly 1 out of every 4 AKs will go
away if the person simply avoids sun exposure.
Additional
Information
For more information, click
here.
