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Types of Skin Lesions
As we age it becomes more common to develop skin growths and pigment spots on the skin. They can vary from harmless warts, liver spots or age spots to skin cancer due to years of sun exposure.
Among the most common are the red or brown scaly spots, known as actinic keratoses. If left untreated they may become skin cancers that eventually will need to be removed by surgery. If treated early these spots can be removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen, applying a chemotherapy cream or by skin resurfacing.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can destroy normal tissue, typically develops on the rim of the ear, the face, the lips or the back of hands, occasionally it spreads to internal organs. If left untreated it can be aggressive.
The most common type of skin cancer is a basal cell carcinoma. It normally starts as a small, shiny bump or pinpoint red bleeding area on the head, face, nose, neck or chest. It tends to be more common in older people with fair skin, blond or red hair and blue or green eyes.
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If left untreated, they can bleed and crust over. These cancer grow slowly and rarely spread to other parts of the body. When treated early, squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers have a 95 percent cure rate.
Malignant Melanoma is a less common but more serious type of skin cancer. It normally starts as a dark brown or black mole-like growth with irregular borders and variable colours. Men over the age of 50 are at the highest risk group, but is can affect anyone of any age. Melanoma is more likely to affect people who had severe sunburns in their childhood.
The most common parts of the body for melanoma are the upper back in men and women, the chest and abdomen in men and the lower legs of women.
Melanoma can spread to other organs and can be fatal. Any change in an existing mole or the rapid appearance off a new mole, could indicate a melanoma and should be checked immediately by your doctor.
Skin Growths Common in Older People Include:
Age spots or liver spots: These are generally harmless flat brown pigments on the skin called lentigines. These are caused by the sun, despite the name it is not related to the liver. Normally it appears on the face, hands, back and feet. They may look like melanoma, so should be examined by your doctor for a correct diagnose. These can be treated with effective prescription medications and surgical resurfacing treatment. The “fade” creams sold commercially will not make lentigines disappear.
Seborrheic Keratoses: Are normally brown or black raised spots and are not cancerous. They are very common in older people and can be easily removed by a dermatologist.
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Cherry Angiomas: These are small, bright red raised bumps caused by dilated blood vessels. They are harmless and occur in more than 85 percent of middle-aged and elderly people, normally on the torso. These spots can be removed by surgical therapies such as electrocautery or laser surgery.
Symptoms of Skin Changes that May Indicate a Problem:
Most changes that occur in our skin as we age are harmless, but there are certain signs that can indicate a more serious probelm that should not be ignored. Consult your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms or signs:
Skin Cancer may be indicated by: A scaly red spot; a change in colour, shape or size of a mole; any new skin growth; bleeding in a mole or other growth; a sore that fails to heal.
Dermatitis or Psoriasis may be indicated by: Excessive dryness and itching that does not responde to moisturizers.
Shingles may be indicated by: Vague or sharp local pain or headache followed by the formation of groups of blisters.
Varicose Veins may be indicated by: Bulging or tender veins in the leg.
Circulatory problem or Diabetes may be indicated by: A sore that fails to heal.
Consult your doctor if you are concerned about any unusual changes on your skin.
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