Your lesion evaluated today has been diagnosed as a

___ Actinic (solar) keratosis

This is a common, sun-induced area of skin damage. Although considered a precancerous lesion, only a small percentage of these progress to skin cancer.

___ Basal cell carcinoma

This is the most common form of skin cancer. It is a very slow-growing (over years) cancer with virtually no potential for spread to other parts of the body. Because it can continue to grow locally, however, it should be treated.

___ Dermatofibroma

This is a benign, scar-like growth. These are found very commonly on arms and legs. Its cause is uncertain, but it may represent a "reactive" growth to a minor skin trauma like an insect bite. These do not need to be removed; in fact, we usually do not recommend their removal because the removal scar can be larger than the original lesion.

___ Keratoacanthoma

This is a common lesion that usually develops rapidly (over weeks) once it first appears. Although these grow quite quickly, they do not act otherwise as skin cancers. Some consider this a variant of squamous cell carcinoma (see below), others consider it more of a benign growth. Complete removal is recommended.

___ Lentigo

This is a common type of sun-induced pigmentation, noted especially on the face, hands and arms. Some refer to these as "liver spots." No therapy is recommended except sun protection.

___ Normal mole

No therapy is recommended.

___ Sebaceous hyperplasia

This is an overactive or "overgrown" oil gland. This is not a cancerous growth.

___ Seborrheic keratosis

This is a non-cancerous growth that almost everyone develops. These can develop with a variety of colors and sizes, but have in common a "stuck-on" appearance. As these are expected, benign growths, they are not normally treated. If very irritating, this lesion can be treated with liquid nitrogen or other means.

___ Squamous cell carcinoma

This is a common form of skin cancer with some potential to spread to other parts of the body. This type of cancer, although not as slow-growing as basal cell carcinoma, still takes some time to fully develop.

___ Other

The Procedure or Treatment performed or recommended:

___ Shave biopsy

This can be cared for with some Polysporin or bacitracin ointment, applied daily, and covered with a band-aid. Sometimes the edges of the biopsy site can get evenly red, and the base of the biopsy site can appear white and moist if lots of antibiotic ointment is used. This is a normal occurrence. Pain, swelling, development of pus or red streaks, and fever are concerning signs that we should be made aware of by calling (408) 851-4650.

___ Punch/excisional biopsy

This can be cared for with Polysporin or bacitracin ointment, applied daily, and covered with a band-aid. Crusting developing at the biopsy site prolongs healing, and hydrogen peroxide should be used on a Q-tip to remove any buildup. See care instructions for shave biopsy above. Arrange with our staff for suture removal in ___ days/weeks.

___ Electrodessication/Currettage

This is a curative procedure done for superficial skin cancers. See care instructions for shave biopsy above.

___ Liquid Nitrogen

This is a freezing technique used to destroy warts, keratoses and other growths. A blister can form within hours of the treatment. If this blister is tense, fluid can be released by pricking the edge with a sterilized needle. If the blister roof breaks, Polysporin ointment can be used once or twice daily to help healing. It will take about 2 weeks for the treated area to heal. Some redness at the treated site may remain, and this can take weeks to totally fade.

Some other tips about wound care

• Moist wounds heal faster than dry ones. Use antibiotic ointment to keep healing areas well-moistened.
• Be aware of contact allergies. Allergies to tape and topical antibiotics are not uncommon. A burning or itching sensation at a wound care site may indicate this occurrence. We prefer not to use Neosporin as a topical antibiotic because we see contact allergy to this antibiotic not uncommonly.

IF A BIOPSY WAS PERFORMED TODAY, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED OF RESULTS EITHER BY POSTCARD OR BY ONE OF OUR STAFF. IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US BY 4 WEEKS TIME, PLEASE CALL US AT (408)851-4650 SO WE CAN INFORM YOU OF THE RESULTS.