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Lesions

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Turnaround

Immediate

Appointment

60 minutes

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pound iconPrice: From £180

Turnaround: Immediate

Appointment: 60 minutes

Types of skin lesions

Lesions are abnormal changes in tissue that can occur in any part of the body.

They vary in appearance, size, and cause, and can be benign (non-cancerous) or non-benign (cancerous).

Identifying and understanding lesions is crucial for effective treatment and management.

If you have a lesion or any concerns about your skin, please reach out to us.

Different Benign Skin Lessions

A high percentage of skin lesions are benign, and these include:

  • Moles (Nevi): Small, dark brown or black spots or patches, usually round or oval, which can be flat or raised. They vary in size and colour.
  • Skin Tags (Acrochordons): Small, soft, flesh-coloured growths that hang off the skin, often found in areas where the skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, or groin.
  • Seborrheic Keratosis: Rough, scaly patches that can be tan, brown, or black. They vary in size and often have a warty texture.
  • Cherry Angiomas: Small, bright red or purple spots or bumps made up of clusters of dilated blood vessels. They typically appear on the trunk or arms and are generally harmless.
  • Cysts: Round, smooth, and can be skin-coloured or slightly discoloured. They are filled with fluid or semi-solid material.
  • Lentigines (Age Spots): Flat, brown spots that appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin. They are usually larger than freckles and are associated with sun exposure.
  • Actinic Keratosis: Rough, scaly patches or bumps, often found on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, or hands.

Types Of Non-Benign Skin Lesions

Non-benign skin lesions are those that may potentially be cancerous or pre-cancerous. Some common types include:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Often appearing as a small, pearly bump or a sore that doesn’t heal, BCC is the most common form of skin cancer but rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This type may appear as a scaly, red patch, an open sore, or a wart-like growth. It can be more aggressive than BCC and may spread if not treated.
  • Melanoma: A serious form of skin cancer that can develop from existing moles or appear as new dark spots. Melanomas often have irregular borders, multiple colours, and can change in size or shape.
  • Actinic Keratosis: These are precancerous lesions that often look like dry, scaly patches. They’re usually found in sun-exposed areas and can sometimes progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Keratoacanthoma: This is a type of skin cancer that often appears as a dome-shaped growth with a central crater. While it can be less aggressive, it should still be evaluated.
  • Paget’s Disease Of The Nipple: This rare type of skin cancer occurs on the nipple and areola, often presenting as itching, redness, or discharge.
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Serious doctor with arms crossed

Common Causes Of Skin Abnormalities

Skin lesions can have various causes. Infections include bacterial (e.g., impetigo), viral (e.g., herpes simplex, warts), fungal (e.g., ringworm), and parasitic (e.g., scabies).

Inflammatory conditions like eczema (itchy patches), psoriasis (scaly patches), and dermatitis (from allergens) also contribute. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus (butterfly-shaped rash) and vitiligo (loss of pigment) are common causes.

Skin cancer can be basal cell carcinoma (pearly nodules), squamous cell carcinoma (scaly patches), or melanoma (irregular moles). Allergic reactions might cause hives or rashes, while trauma (cuts, bruises) and genetic disorders (neurofibromatosis, ichthyosis) can alter skin appearance. Environmental factors like sunburn can also lead to lesions.

Statistics​

new skin cancer cases in the UK annually
0
of us experience a skin issue each year
0 %
of us have suffered from acne at some point
0 %
people suffer from psoriasis
0 in a 100

How To Prevent Lesions

For any skin lesion, our experts can examine and guide you to the right treatment. To help prevent lesions, you can:

  • Sun Safety: Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and avoid excessive sun exposure.
  • Skin Checks: Regularly examine your skin for any changes in existing moles or new growths. Early detection is key.
  • Balanced Diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support overall immune function.
  • Avoid Smoking: Smoking can contribute to various types of lesions, including skin cancer.

How To Book A Private Doctor Appointment?

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Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

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You will be seen by one of our friendly doctors or trained clinicians.

The Procedure

preparing for appointment

Pre-Appointment

Gather any relevant medical history, including previous skin conditions, treatments, or any family history of skin cancer. Note any changes in skin lesions, such as size, shape, colour, or texture, and any symptoms like itching, bleeding, or pain. List any current medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and skincare products. Wear comfortable, easily removable clothing to facilitate the examination of all areas of your skin. Refrain from using tanning beds or excessive sun exposure prior to the exam, as this can affect the appearance of skin lesions.

during the appointment

Appointment

The dermatologist will examine your skin lesions, which may involve undressing and changing into a gown. You might be asked to describe any changes or symptoms related to the lesions. Depending on the findings, your dermatologist may perform additional tests, such as a skin biopsy. Do not hesitate to ask any questions about the examination process.

post appointment

Post-Appointment

Wait for the results of any tests or biopsies, which may take a few days to a few weeks. Once we receive the results, we will contact you and explain the next steps. Follow any instructions for caring for biopsy sites or other treatments. Continue to use any prescribed medications or skincare products as directed. Use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent further skin damage.

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What is a lesion?
Lesions are blemishes or changes that appear on the skin, which are different from moles. There are several different types of lesion. The most common are: macules (flat and less than 1cm in diameter), papules (elevated lesions, less than 1cm in diameter, such as warts, lichen planus, acne, rashes, urticaria and insect bites), plaques (more than 1cm in diameter, and elevated from the skin surface, with a flat or round top), nodules (firm lesions such as cysts, lipomas, and fibromas which extend into the subcutaneous tissue), and pustules (which contain pus and are usually due to infection or inflammatory conditions).
What are the most common types of skin cancer?
Two common forms of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a small lump, red or pink in colour, which may begin with a pearly, waxy, or scaly quality, and then develop into a painless ulcer, or bleed and become crusty. Squamous cell carcinomas are firm lumps, pink, with a flat, scaly, or crusted surface, which feels tender to touch and bleeds easily.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. It can spread into other organs. The most common sign is a new mole, or a change in the appearance of an existing mole.

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