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Moles And Blemishes

Moles and other skin abnormalities play an important role in the overall skin health. They require appropriate diagnosis first in order to determine whether treatment is required. If removal is optional, the cosmetic outcome is most important. Dr. Fechner has extensive experience in treating moles, blemishes and tumors of the skin. He applies a gentle treatment approach finding the appropriate balance of efficacy and cosmetic outcome for these benign lesions. When skin cancer is a concern, ready diagnosis, appropriate treatment and reconstruction are important.

New Skin Blemishes Require Attention

Whenever new skin moles develop, evaluation by a specialist should be considered in order to ensure that an important condition such as skin cancer is not missed. And even “sores” that appear to be the result of scratches or other minor traumas should be checked if they fail to heal within a reasonable period of time.

Benign Skin Moles And Blemishes

Below is a short list of skin abnormalities that are benign. They still may cause an aesthetic concern and can be treated.

Spider Veins (a.k.a. Telangiectasia)

are small blood vessels that appear prominent through the skin. Spider veins are common on the side of the nose, the cheeks and the forehead. They can develop after skin surgery and may be present in rosacea (see below).

Liver Spots (a.k.a. Lentigos)

are brown well-demarcated spots. They can appear anywhere on the face or neck and may be the result of sun exposure. Lentigo blemishes are flat.

Skin Tags (a.k.a. Acrochordons; Fibro-epithelial Polyps)

are common brown or pale skin growths that occur frequently around the eyes, neck and other parts of the face and body. They have a narrow stalk and can be easily removed in the office.

Rosacea

is a chronic skin condition which is sometimes mistaken as adult acne. It most commonly effects people in their 40s and 50s and may worsen with time. Most rosacea sufferers flush easily. They have varying degrees of redness of cheeks and nose, small pimples and small spider veins.

Seborrheic Keratosis

is raised brown skin growth that appears with age. They have a rough surface and can appear anywhere in the face as sun exposure does not appear to play a role in their development. With time, they color may darken which can lead to concern although they are benign and can be treated in the office.

Cherry Angioamas (a.k.a. Cherry Hemangiomas)

are small red or purple nodules and represent an abnormal growth of blood vessels. Occurring later in life, they can be effectively treated with minimal-invasive techniques.

Actinic Keratosis (a.k.a. Solar Keratosis)

is a scaly pinkish plaque of the sun exposed skin. They are common in middle-aged people of pale skin types. Because actinic keratosis carries an approximately 15% risk of developing into skin cancer (squamous cell cancer), they should be watched and treated.

Keratoacanthoma

is a common nodule often with a central pit. It is usually found on sun-exposed parts of the body. Because of its appearance, it can be easily confused with squamous cell cancer. Keratoacanthomas should be removed.

Mole (a.k.a. Nevus)

is a skin lesion of light-brown to brown color. Sometimes, moles are of normal skin color or even pale. They represent a benign growth of nevus cells which are normally present in the skin. Depending on the location of these nevus cells within the various layers of the skin, nevi can be flat (macule) or raised (nodule). Development into a cancer (i.e. melanoma) is very rare.

Wen (a.k.a. Sebaceous Cyst; Epidermal Inclusion Cyst; Keratinous Cyst; Pilar Cyst)

is a cystic growth filled with a paste-like cheesy material. These skin cysts often get bigger as more of material collects inside. Sometimes, cysts become infected and inflamed which may require treatment.

Fatty tumor (a.k.a. lipoma)

is a benign growth originating from fat cells. They may appear as soft bumps in the skin of varying size. Lipomas usually grow slowly and should be removed surgically.

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Dr. Frank Fechner

428 Shrewsbury Street,Worcester, MA 01604

Fax: (508) 754-4222 Tel: 508-306-8363
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428 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA 01604

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