Skin Lesions

Most skin lesions are benign; however, any medical or cosmetic concern that you have is important to Dr. Alissa Lamoureux, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, at Skin Dermatology in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Dr. Lamoureux specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and possible excision of any skin lesions. Contact Dr. Lamoureux today or book an appointment online to set up a visit to our office to have your skin examined by our board-certified dermatologist.

What are Skin Lesions?

A skin lesion is an abnormal lump, bump, ulcer, sore or colored area on the skin. Common skin lesions evaluated and treated by Dr. Lamoureux at Skin Dermatology, include but are not limited to:

Actinic Keratoses

Actinic keratoses occur when the skin has sustained too much sun exposure and damage over the years. They can appear as crusty or scaly bumps. Actinic keratoses may be flesh-colored, brown, pink or red. Affected areas may be inflamed, itch or bleed. Actinic keratoses can develop into skin cancer in time and therefore we suggest treating them when we find them.

Moles

Moles are small skin marks caused by pigment producing cells in the skin. They can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some contain hair. They may occur anywhere on the body. They can come in a variety of colors such as dark brown or black, but some are flesh-colored, red, tan or yellow. They can change in appearance over time and some can develop into skin cancer.

Skin Tags

Skin tags are usually small flaps of skin that protrude from the body and vary in shape, size, texture and color. Skin tags commonly grow on the inner thighs, eyelids, armpits, and on the neck, but they can virtually grow anywhere on the body. Skin tags can appear as a flap attached to the skin or on a "stalk-like" structure of skin called a peduncle.

Warts

A wart is usually a small, non-cancerous tumor that grows on top of the skin. Warts often resemble a solid blister or a cauliflower and can seem either very light or very dark compared to the surrounding skin. Warts are usually painless but can cause burning or itching. They are caused by a virus and can be spread.

Cysts

A cyst is generally formed on the surface of the skin, but they can also develop on various internal organs. Generally speaking, most cysts are harmless (benign). They can be filled with blood, infected fluids or semi-solid substances such as sebum.

When is the Right Time to Talk to Dr. Lamoureux About My Skin Lesions?

Most skin lesions are benign though some, such as actinic keratosis and certain moles, can be a pre-cursor to a skin cancer or already a skin cancer. This can be evaluated and treated, by our board-certified Dermatologist, Dr. Lamoureux. Do not wait to schedule an appointment, as early detection of abnormal skin lesions is critical. Dr. Lamoureux will help to determine if the skin lesions that concern you are harmful to your health or if they appear to be more of a cosmetic concern. Removal of suspicious skin lesions are most often covered by your insurance. Determining the right treatment approach, all starts with a visit to Skin Dermatology in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.

How Do You Treat Skin Lesions?

At Skin Dermatology, Dr. Lamoureux treats skin lesions based on the severity and agreed to treatment plan. If the skin lesion is determined to be suspicious for a skin cancer or abnormality, Dr. Lamoureux starts by taking a skin biopsy. Once those results are received, she will advise you of the results and discuss the appropriate treatment options. Dr. Lamoureux may utilize a variety of techniques to remove your skin lesion. These methods include excision, freezing (cryotherapy), scraping and burning (electrodesiccation and curettage), cautery, and laser treatments.