|
Forms
of Skin Cancer
There are three basic forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma,
squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Basal cell and
squamous cell carcinoma account for more than 90 percent of all
cases reported, and when detected early, have a cure rate of greater
than 95 percent.
 |
Basal
Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common form of
skin cancer. The tumors usually appear as single, small nodules
or bumps, generally on the face, ears, head, neck, or hands,
or occasionally, they may appear on the torso. They can range
in color from flesh tone to reddish-brown or black, and often
have a pearly, translucent color around the border with little
evidence of inflammation in the skin surrounding the tumor.
They generally will grow slowly, but if left untreated, will
begin to bleed, crust over, then repeat the cycle. Although
this type of skin cancer rarely spreads to other parts of
the body, it can extend below the skin to the bone and cause
extensive local damage. |
| Squamous Cell
Carcinoma: As the second most common form of skin
cancer, it also appears most often on sun-exposed areas. The
tumors are usually found on the rim of the ears, face, lips,
mouth, or the back of the hands. Typically, more difficult
to detect in early stages, these tumors will first appear
firm to the touch, but eventually form a central crust,
and finally, an ulceration with surrounding inflammation of
the skin. They sometimes appear as red, scaly patches which
may look like basal cell carcinomas, but squamous cell carcinomas
are usually more red or swollen and tend to grow faster than
basal cell carcinomas. They can also invade underlying tissues. |
 |
|
Early Stage
|
Advanced Stage
|
Malignant
Melanoma: This is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Because it can spread quickly throughout the body in the early
course of the disease, it is important for you to recognize
this melanoma in its earliest stage. Here, we've pictured
a malignant melanoma in an early phase, and one at a more
advanced stage. |
|
|
|
Just like
the other two forms of skin cancer, malignant melanoma is also
linked to overexposure to the sun. In fact, some doctors believe
one severe sunburn can double one's lifetime chance of developing
melanoma, and two severe sunburns in childhood or adolescence
may triple that risk. (If family members have had malignant melanoma,
your risk may also increase.) Melanoma can appear anywhere on
the body, not just in sun-exposed areas, and enlarge over several
months without warning. If you notice black or brown streaks beneath
your finger or toe nails, or notice a change in the appearance
of moles or other dark spots on the skin, see your dermatologist
immediately. When detected early and treated properly, the recovery
rate can be very high.
The
ABCD's of Melanoma
 |
Asymmetry:
One-half of a mole doesn't match the other half.
|
 |
Border
Irregularity: The edges of a mole are ragged, notched,
or blurred. |
 |
Color:
The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown,
and black may be present, while dashes of red, white, and
blue add to the mottled appearance. |
 |
Diameter:
Any mole or other growth larger than six millimeters
(the size of a pencil eraser) should be of concern. |
|
Facial Rejuvenation
|
| • |
Chemical Peel |
• |
Correction of
Uneven Pigmentation |
| • |
Dermabrasion |
• |
Fat Transfer |
| • |
Treatment of Wrinkles |
• |
Laser Surgery |
| • |
Removal of Unsightly Blemishes |
|
|
Other Treatments Include: |
| • |
All Forms of Dermatological
Care |
• |
Removal of Cysts |
| • |
Treatment of Skin
Cancer |
• |
Tattoo Removal |
| • |
Removal of Moles
and Birthmarks |
• |
Selerotherapy (Treatment
of Leg Veins) |
| • |
Collagen |
|
|
Our
Locations:
Kenner Dermatology Clinic - 200 W. Esplanade, Suite 106
Kenner, LA 70065 • (504) 471-3100
Terrytown Allergy and Dermatology Clinic - 888 Terry Parkway,
Suite 208
Gretna, LA 70056 • (504) 394-6564
Chalmette Dermatology Clinic - 8400 W. Judge Perez Drive,
Suite 15
Chalmette, LA 70043 • (504) 279-5128
Slidell Dermatology Clinic - 380 Gateway Drive, Suite B
Slidell, LA 70461 • (504) 641-3198
Covington Dermatology Clinic - 600 N. Highway 190, Suite
201
Covington, LA 70433 • (504) 892-5497
200 W. Espanade
• Kenner, LA 70065
(504) 471-3100 • Fax: (504) 471-3140
[ Home Page ] [
Dermatology ] [ Plastic
Surgery ] [ Hair
Transplants ]
[ Calendar of Events ] [ What's New ] [ Mailing List ]
Copyright
© 1999-2001. All Rights Reserved.
Intelligent
Media Ventures, LLC
|
|
|
