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Posts for: March, 2012
This form of skin cancer has features of both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
For more information regarding these types of cancer please visit the Patient Education page on our website, www.huntingtondermcare.com.
The word "atypical" means "not like the rest". "Nevus" is the medical term for mole.
"Atypical nevus" refers to a mole that does not look like a normal mole.
While atypical moles are benign (not cancer), some people who have these moles have a higher risk of getting melanoma (the deadliest type of skin cancer). Since melanoma can develop within an atypical mole, anyone who has atypical moles should be examined by a Dermatologist.
Atypical moles tend to vary in appearance. An atypical mole can be larger than other moles. Some are more than one color. Others have a jagged border. These traits also are warning signs of melanoma. You should have a Dermatologist check your mole if it is asymmetrical, has an irregular border, varies in color, OR is changing in size, shape, or color.
SUN EXPOSURE is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. As unprotected sun exposure is thought to increase the number of moles, reducing sun exposure is an easy way to reduce your risk for skin cancer.
Please see our blog post regarding sun safety for more information.
Lichenoid keratosis are common solitary growths which may occur in sun exposed or in covered areas. These growths often look like a type of skin cancer called a basal cell carcinoma but behave much differently. Due to their similarity to a basal cell cancer, biopsies are done. They are considered benign growths.
Sometimes a lichenoid keratosis in sun exposed areas may show damage to the skin cells noted on the skin biopsy. Treatment with liquid nitrogen is necessary to prevent progression to a skin cancer. These growths are considered Lichenoid Actinic Keratosis.
