What types of sun damage are precancerous?

Your skin is the largest organ of the body, and is the body’s first defense against infection and the environment. To protect this barrier, it is important to be mindful of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer. Skin cancer is highly curable when diagnosed and treated in its earlier stages of development. At the Skin Center of South Miami, our dermatologists in the South Miami, FL area can diagnosis and treat not only cancerous cells, but precancerous skin conditions. These include Bowen’s disease, actinic keratosis, and lentigo maligna. Knowing what to look for with each is critical to early detection and treatment.

• Bowen’s disease – this precancerous skin condition is often linked to those with a weakened immune system, individuals with long-term sun exposure and tanning bed use, and those with HPV (human papillomavirus). It is most commonly seen in Caucasian men over the age of 60, and the symptoms are similar to those of psoriasis and eczema.
• Actinic keratosis – patients over the age of 40 and who have had significant exposure to UV rays from the sun may develop actinic keratosis, which develops as a patch of dry, rough, or scaling skin that may appear brown, red, and pink. It might be slightly raised and can be removed to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
• Lentigo maligna – lentigo maligma often presents as patches of multiple colors such as black and blue that bleed, itch, or sting. Lentigo maligma melanoma is a fast-growing type of skin cancer compared to traditional lentigo maligma which may grow slowly.

Obtain precancerous skin treatments in South Miami, FL

If you have recently received a diagnosis of a precancerous skin condition, it is vital that you undergo prompt treatment to significantly reduce your risk and the progress of skin cancer. The team at Skin Center of South Miami uses the latest tools and techniques to help in the diagnosis and treatment of precancerous, and cancerous, skin concerns. To learn more, contact our team today by calling (305) 740-6181 to request an appointment and speak to one of our experienced dermatologists about effective solutions for your unique situation. The office is located at 7800 SW 57th avenue, Suite #110 and is open to new patients.