Dr. Gidon will assess
your skin growths and if you are interested in removal,
she will discuss the optimal treatment for you.
Moles (nevi) are growths that commonly occur and
are usually brown or flesh-coloured and can be flat
or elevated. A normal mole can be removed for cosmetic
purposes, usually by excision or shave biopsy. If
you notice a change in a mole, it could be dangerous
and it must be examined.
Skin tags are benign,
fleshy growths that are brown or flesh-coloured
and occur in warm, moist areas where clothing usually
rubs, such as around the neck, underarms, breasts
and groin areas. They are often numerous and catch
on clothing or jewellery and can be removed easily
with cautery.
Seborrheic keratoses
occur with aging and are benign, waxy, warty-looking
growths that can be yellow, brown or black. They
occur on the face, scalp, trunk and extremities
and are easily removed, usually with liquid nitrogen.
Sun spots (lentigines,
age or liver spots) are benign, tan or brown flat
spots occurring on sun exposed areas such as the
face, chest and the backs of hands. They can be
treated with liquid nitrogen, laser or intense pulsed
light.
Milia are tiny white
bumps that develop on the face at any age. They
are benign and can be quickly removed.
Cherry angiomata are
benign, small red or purple growths that can develop
anywhere on the body and can be removed easily by
laser or cautery.
Spider veins can occur
on the face and can be treated with laser or intense
pulsed light. They commonly occur on the thighs
and legs, where sclerotherapy (injections) or laser
can be used.
Warts are a viral infection
of the skin. They are infectious and can be a nuisance
and multiply. Often several treatments with liquid
nitrogen are necessary to clear them.
