Neoplasms on the skin are the result of intensive division of epidermal cells and, by their nature, can be benign or malignant, and can very quickly develop into cancer. Many people have nevuses, papillomas, moles on the skin.
Some of them do not pose a serious threat to health, but there are also those that, under the influence of negative factors, develop into malignant tumors. In order not to miss this moment, it is necessary to monitor the condition of all existing neoplasms on the skin and regularly undergo a checkup with a doctor.
Where do the neoplasms come from?
Ideally, the number of dead cells, just like new ones, should be equal, but this is not always the case. Sometimes the process of the appearance of new cells becomes much more active than required. At the same time, they do not always have time to fully mature, therefore they cannot fully perform their functions. Such an excess of excess cells develops into neoplasms on the skin. This process can be triggered by many different factors, in particular, such:
- frequent lesions of the skin;
- irradiation, including solar;
- hereditary predisposition.
The overwhelming majority of such formations are benign, and they pose absolutely no threat to human life, they can only cause a certain discomfort. Some of them need to be removed when they reach large sizes, as they can touch the blood vessels.
In the presence of certain factors, neoplasms on the skin can develop into malignant. It is very important to understand exactly how to distinguish them and how treatment is carried out.
Main types
Skin neoplasms (according to ICD 10, D 23) are divided into several types, namely:
- benign;
- borderline;
- malignant.
The first of them do not pose any serious threat, but they can cause certain physical and psychological discomfort with extensive localization or if they are located on parts of the body that are not covered by clothing.
Malignant, in fact, are a cancerous tumor. They grow very quickly and affect the deep layers of the skin. In addition, they spread metastases throughout the body.
Borderline formations are able to quickly turn into a malignant form.
Benign neoplasms
A benign skin neoplasm (according to ICD 10, D 23) in itself does not pose absolutely any danger to humans if it is not subjected to mechanical stress. A cause for concern may be its localization on the face or other prominent area of the skin, as well as its large size, which can squeeze blood vessels. Among the main types of growths, one can distinguish the following:
- fibroma;
- neurofibroma;
- lipoma;
- atheroma;
- nevi and moles;
- hemangioma;
- warts.
With fibroma, the tumor is mainly formed from connective tissue, fat and nerve cells. It can occur anywhere in the body, and its development is very slow. Most often, such a neoplasm affects girls and women in adulthood.
The tumor has a size of about 3 cm and in appearance resembles a small seal, slightly protruding above the surface of the skin. The surface of the fibroma, depending on its type, can be either smooth or wrinkled. Its color changes over time from pink to gray, brown, and sometimes blue-black. In some cases, it can form on the internal organs. With mechanical damage, a transition to the malignant stage is possible.
The development of neurofibromas occurs from the nerve membranes. They can form on the skin or internal organs. In appearance, the neurofibroma resembles a small tubercle, about 0.1-3 cm in size, covered by the epidermis. Such a neoplasm has a light brown tint and does not cause any discomfort if it does not provoke a crushing of nerve endings. Often these are multiple entities. And, despite their good quality, they are considered quite dangerous to health. The thing is that this pathology provokes painful sensations and becomes the main cause of the disorders occurring in the body. Such a tumor is treated by irradiation or surgical removal.
Lipoma is a wen - a tumor from connective tissue. It can grow quite deep and reach the periosteum. Such a neoplasm on the skin (you can see the photo in the article) can appear on absolutely any part of the body. It can be found on the outside of the thigh, shoulder, or upper back. On palpation, the lipoma moves, and painful sensations are observed.
Lipoma develops rather slowly and does not pose any danger to health, only if it does not develop into liposarcoma. Surgical excision is indicated only in the case of a significant increase in the tumor in size, if it begins to put pressure on the surrounding tissue. Small wen can be removed very quickly with a laser or radio waves.
What other benign neoplasms are there?
Atheroma looks like a lipoma, but differs in that in some cases it can become inflamed, more dense to the touch, and also does not appear on the internal organs. It is quite difficult to independently distinguish these types of neoplasms on the skin, which is why you need to contact a qualified specialist.
Atheroma occurs as a result of blockage of the sebaceous glands. And after a while, education can fester, and after a while break through. If inflammation of the atheroma has occurred, then painful sensations are observed. These growths are localized wherever there is hair, and their removal is carried out only surgically.
Lymphangioma is congenital in nature, which is why it rarely occurs in adults. It consists almost entirely of lymphatic vessels and arises due to their non-standard location in the embryo. The tumor has a tendency to active growth, which often occurs under the influence of various adverse factors. In this case, urgent surgical removal is required, as it poses a serious threat to life. Basically, such neoplasms arise on the skin of the face, tongue, neck and chest.
A hemangioma is formed, as a rule, due to congenital abnormalities of blood vessels. It does not degenerate into a malignant tumor, but it grows very quickly, and relapse often occurs after removal. Such a formation can lead to atrophy of adjacent tissues and impaired functioning of internal organs. On the skin, it looks like a burgundy or bluish spot.
Basically, hemangioma is detected on the neck or head in infants immediately after birth. When it is localized near the eye or in another difficult area, it is removed by the radiation method, and in all other cases, the use of hormonal drugs is indicated. If conservative therapy does not bring any result, then an operation is performed with the dissection of the lower layers of the skin.
Among the main types of neoplasms on the skin, photos of which you can see in the article, moles and nevi are distinguished. They themselves are not at all dangerous if they are not subjected to constant friction. Similar formations can be congenital or acquired. They are a cluster of cells having a different shape, texture, size and color. Their surface is dry and uneven. If the mole grows large, it requires removal, the method of which is selected depending on the available indications.
Warts are provoked by the papilloma virus against the background of ongoing vegetative disorders, impaired immunity and frequent stresses. They can be very different. Some warts can pass into malignant tumors, and in all other cases do not pose any threat to health.
Precancerous lesions
After studying precancerous neoplasms on the skin, the photo and description of which allows you to get complete information about them, you can understand exactly what they are characterized by. These are a kind of borderline formations that can be considered the initial stage of cancer. Most often they occur in older people, however, there may be exceptions. Among them are the following:
- xeroderma;
- senile keratoma;
- Paget's disease;
- skin horn.
Pigmented xeroderma is a hereditary disease that is expressed in increased sensitivity to sunlight. The first signs appear mainly in children at the age of three. This is a fairly rare disease, and doctors attribute it to a precancerous condition of the skin.
The active period of the course of the disease is observed, as a rule, in the spring or summer, and this is due to increased solar activity. The lesion affects the skin of the face, head and neck. This is because the skin is not able to produce enzymes that eliminate the damage that occurred when damaged by sunlight.
Senile keratoma appears in the elderly. Usually its size does not exceed 1 cm in diameter and has a yellowish or light brown tint. Over time, the formation may become covered with scales, which themselves exfoliate. At this time, blood may appear in the affected area. If a densification forms at the base of the keratoma, then it becomes malignant.
Paget's disease is observed mainly in women after the age of 40 years. Seals begin to form around the nipple, and peeling of the skin is observed. In this case, serous hemorrhagic fluid may be released from the nipple. In the process of the subsequent development of the disease, a crust begins to form on the surface of the neoplasm, under which there is a wetting area. Some oncologists consider this the initial stage of cancer.
Skin horn mainly occurs in the elderly. It is a layering of epidermal cells so that externally the formation becomes like a horn of animals. There is a wide variety of information regarding how exactly this disease flows into cancer. If the first signs occur, you should immediately consult a doctor. Skin horn is very easy to remove surgically.
Malignant tumors
Malignant neoplasms of the skin are aggressive. They often very quickly increase in size, germinate in adjacent tissues and can provoke metastases. Among the main types of malignant neoplasms on the skin (we will give a photo and a description of them in the article), we can distinguish:
- squamous cell carcinoma;
- melanoma;
- basal cell carcinoma;
- fibrosarcoma;
- angiosarcoma;
- liposarcoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a plaque that does not have clear edges, a reddish hue with an uneven surface. Indentation gradually arises in the center of the formation, which is initially covered with scales, and then an ulcer appears in this place. Squamous cell carcinoma can germinate in other tissues.
Among the varieties of malignant formations, melanoma is considered the most dangerous. That is why you need to be very careful about the appearance of moles on the skin.
Basal cell carcinoma is a formation on the skin with a small cavity in the center where the ulcer is located. Blood vessels and a bleeding point are usually visible in the tumor. Basically, it is localized in areas of the skin that are not covered by clothing, but occurs when ultraviolet radiation, carcinogens get on the skin, and also when exposed to heat.
Fibrosarcoma is localized in the connective tissue and can protrude above the surface of the skin or can be hidden. Liposarcoma - the transformation of fat cells into malignant. The tumor can reach a sufficiently large size. Metastases are not always and are observed mainly in the elderly.
Angiosarcoma is more common in people with a weak immune system, as well as those infected with HIV. It is characterized by the formation of spots of purple or violet. Over time, ulcers begin to form on their surface. This is a fairly aggressive form of cancer and often leads to death.
Diagnostics
If skin neoplasms occur, you should definitely contact a dermatologist or oncologist for diagnostics. A specialist in external characteristics will be able to determine what exactly they are. For dermatoscopy of skin neoplasms, a tissue fragment is taken, which is then sent to the laboratory for analysis, where the nature of the tumor is determined.
When using special software, diagnostics are characterized by maximum accuracy. Modern equipment allows us to determine borderline and malignant tumors in patients at the initial stages. This makes it possible to maintain the well-being of the patient.
Treatment features
As a rule, benign formations are not treated in any way. In the presence of malignant tumors, surgical intervention is used. In this case, they are excised along with adjacent healthy areas of the skin. However, a similar technique can provoke a relapse. In some cases, other methods of treatment may be used, for example, cryodestruction, which is a tumor freeze.
Removal of formations
Among the main methods of removing skin neoplasms, doctors distinguish such:
- radiation exposure;
- surgical intervention;
- cryogenic effect;
- chemotherapy.
The classical removal of benign skin neoplasms with a scalpel implies excision of the affected tissue, partially capturing and healthy, to prevent subsequent spread.
Among the main advantages of such a technique, a favorable prognosis for recovery can be distinguished. However, there are certain disadvantages, for example, a long period of rehabilitation, as well as the presence of a residual scar on the skin. The operation is carried out in a hospital.
Removal of formations can be carried out using the cryodestruction method. It implies that with the help of an applicator, liquid nitrogen is applied to the problem area, while covering the surrounding tissue.
Most often, a similar method is used to remove warts and papillomas. After exposure to nitrogen, the neoplasm is compacted, and in its place a bubble forms, which independently resolves after about a week. After the operation, the crust dries and disappears after 2 weeks. Among the main advantages, we can distinguish a slight soreness, as well as a quick recovery.
Laser removal of skin neoplasms is very often used, which is very popular around the world. With the help of a laser, directed radiation is carried out, which helps to evaporate malignant cells. After removal of the skin neoplasm by a laser, a crust forms on the surface of the cells, which then exfoliates itself. Among the main advantages, it can be distinguished that there are no scars, bleeding, and also a faster rehabilitation of the patient. Among the main disadvantages of laser removal of skin neoplasms, individual intolerance can be noted, as a result of which pigmentation of the affected area or infection can occur.
Removal can also be carried out using radiation therapy. Among the main indications, the presence of multiple metastases or relapse of a malignant tumor can be distinguished. Using directed radiation, affected cells can be removed.
All these methods complement each other very well. Doctors in each case select a combination of techniques to remove skin neoplasms. When choosing, the degree of tumor development, its localization, as well as the variety, are taken into account.
Possible complications and prevention
The most dangerous complication of neoplasms is their degeneration into cancer. The success of the therapy and the life expectancy of the patient depends on the timely diagnosis and elimination of malignant tumors.
To avoid pathologies, certain preventive measures must be taken:
- increase immunity;
- observe the rules of hygiene;
- protect skin from negative effects.
In addition, it is important to prevent promiscuous sexual intercourse, and to use protective equipment during sexual intercourse.