Category: Medical Dermatology

Early detection is key when it comes to melanoma skin safety. If you’re concerned about suspect moles, new freckles, or unusual patches of skin, understanding a few melanoma basics will prepare you to proactively protect your skin’s health.

What is Melanoma? 

Melanoma involves the cells in your upper layer of skin responsible for producing pigmentation. Also known as melanocytes, these melanin-producing powerhouses can be damaged by UV radiation from excess sun exposure or tanning beds. Once abnormal cell division within these cells occurs, this type of cancer is more dangerous since it can spread to underlying tissues and organs.

Melanoma is Different Than Basal & Squamous Cell Carcinoma

All types of skin cancer feature a similar mechanism of growth; abnormal cell division replaces normal tissue regeneration within the layers of the skin. As the names imply, basal and squamous carcinomas affect the basal or squamous cells within the inner or outer layers of the skin. These abnormal cell growths are less likely to spread, and generally, involve more superficial layers of tissue. Although less risky than melanoma, prompt dermatology assistance is still a priority.

The Common Risk Factors of Melanoma

There are several considerations to keep in mind when on the lookout for melanoma. There are many common risk factors involved in skin cancer formation and it is important to have a skin care professional who is thorough in their evaluation. Common predisposing factors that increase your risk for developing melanoma include:

• Increasing Age
• History of Sunburns
• Previous Skin Cancer
• Immunosuppressed Individuals
• Family History
• Lighter Skin Tones

You Can Develop Melanoma Without Sun Damage

Even if you’ve always worn sunscreen, covered your skin, and avoided sunny days because of your sensitive skin, family history and other cellular mutations can still lead to the formation of melanoma. To be on the safe side, contact Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialists if you notice any of the ABCDEs of melanoma skin occurrences:

• Asymmetrical: Unusually shaped growths
• Border: Irregular or poorly defined edges
• Color: Varying colors throughout growth
• Diameter: Melanoma is usually 6mm or larger
• Evolving: Growths changing in size

Melanoma is Treatable

Since melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, it’s important to seek the help of a dermatologist in Southampton, PA if you have any skin concerns. At Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialists, they provide a range of effective treatment solutions, specialize in accurate diagnosis, careful planning, and will help you discover a solution that considers every aspect of your wellbeing. 

Featuring evidence-based solutions at Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialists, you can expect comprehensive treatment. Initially, they provide in-depth examinations and acquire detailed tissue samples. Following their experienced diagnosis, they offer tissue-preserving surgical excisions and will tailor a specific healing strategy around your case. Along with the best treatments in the world of dermatology, Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialists is dedicated to trusted follow-up guidance and will provide ongoing support long after effective treatment. 

With an estimated 3.6 million cases diagnosed annually within the U.S., basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Fortunately, this form of skin cancer is also among the most treatable forms of cancer. Unlike other carcinomas, like squamous cell carcinoma that is more likely to spread and involve other organ tissues, basal cell carcinoma grows more slowly. While less risky than other types of carcinomas, basal cell carcinoma is still a serious health concern and prompt treatment should be a priority. 

Common Characteristics of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma affects the cells lining; the deepest part of the skin’s outer layer. Basal cell carcinoma does not always look the same; it can appear in different areas, colors, and shapes. These are some common skin conditions to look out for that may be a cause for concern:

• Small Shiny Bumps: Usually found on the nose, neck, or areas of skin with excessive sun exposure.
• Flesh or Dark Colored Skin Abnormalities: Raised areas of skin with persistent growths that look similar to moles or large freckles. 
• Waxy, Hardened Skin: Raised areas may present with blood vessels and abnormal skin texture. 
• Red, Scaly Patches: These scaly patches are fragile, and can bleed easily.
• Open Sores: Unusual areas of open skin, often accompanied by reddened and irritated surrounding tissue. 

Regularly inspecting your skin and areas of frequent sun exposure is the best way to proactively protect your skin’s health. If you’re experiencing any of these skin symptoms, reach out to the best dermatologist in Bucks County, PA for a professional skin evaluation before your condition worsens. 

Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma

Due to the superficial nature of most basal cell carcinomas, minimally invasive procedures have been proven to be safe and effective. While other carcinomas may require more invasive interventions because they can affect internal tissues like the respiratory tract, kidneys, breasts, or digestive tract, basal cell carcinoma is often easier to access and treat. 

Depending on the location, size, and skin type involved, there are several options for completely curing this form of cancer. The most common treatment for basal cell carcinoma is surgical removal of cancer and a few millimeters of the surrounding tissue to prevent a recurrence. If traditional surgical intervention isn’t a viable option, options like radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and topical immune response modifiers have proven effective for the safe treatment of basal cell carcinoma. 

If you’re concerned that you may have basal cell carcinoma, you must get in touch with Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialists for a professional diagnosis and proven treatment as soon as possible.

As leading dermatology specialists in Pennsylvania, we treat every patient’s healthcare needs with a personalized approach to healing. With years of experience treating skin disorders of all kinds, our dermatology team approaches every skincare case with proven evaluation techniques and advanced treatment solutions designed to heal your skin while protecting the surrounding tissue. By offering our patients a comprehensive selection of minimally-invasive health options, our patients experience reduced healing times, long-lasting beneficial outcomes, and improved quality of life. Catching melanoma and all other skin cancers in their early stages is your best chance at a great outcome.

Careful Diagnosis is the First Step

Before moving forward with any treatment, a careful skin analysis is our first step. Using advanced diagnostic equipment, we take a skin biopsy of the at-risk area and assess the surrounding tissue. Once we have accurately evaluated your skin’s condition, we tailor a personalized healing strategy around your specific needs. 

The Best Follow-Up Care for Long-Term Healing

When you trust our dermatology specialists for the best melanoma treatment in Bucks County, PA, you can expect an unparalleled commitment to your long-term healing goals. Following a melanoma treatment, we routinely evaluate your skin’s health and ensure that our interventions have successfully prevented cancer recurrence. 

If you have any concerns about your skin or would like to learn more about our comprehensive melanoma treatments, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable healthcare team today. We treat our patient’s skin concerns as a priority and do our best to share honest guidance and realistic solutions that consider every aspect of your healing goals. 

Varicose veins can be an unsightly and sometimes painful problem. A medical dermatology service in Bucks County wants our patients to know that several beneficial treatment options exist.

Description

Varicose veins are blood vessels that become enlarged, overgrown, and possibly twisted. Though the condition could strike any vein, you are more likely to witness the problem in your legs.

Causes

The malady is often precipitated by damaged vein valves. These valves open to enable veins to circulate blood back to the heart.

However, the intense muscle contractions often experienced in your legs place great strain on the valves and might result in deterioration. Should this damage grow pronounced, improper blood flow might occur resulting in blood leakages that twist or enlarge afflicted veins.

Risk Factors

Certain underlying factors could increase your chances of developing the malady, such as advanced age, the female gender, a family history of the condition, pregnancy, standing for extended durations, and being appreciably overweight or obese.

Physical Manifestations

Usually, the first noticeable sign is the appearance of enlarged veins that might turn purple or blue. As the condition advances, impacted blood vessels might become bulged or mangled.

That said, in certain cases, you might also experience discomfort that might manifest in a feeling of heaviness, burning, itching, throbbing, or cramping. Occasionally, this pain intensifies when you stand or remain dormant for prolonged periods.

Complications

Usually, complications are uncommon. However, said events can occur and are often highlighted by the development of ulcers surrounding a stricken blood vessel, bursting, which could result in bleeding.

That said, the most serious complication is the possible formation of blood clots. Such occurrences warrant immediate medical attention. If not properly addressed, these maladies could obstruct proper blood flow or spread to other bodily regions.

Potential Treatment Options

The treatment chosen by your doctor will largely depend upon the condition’s severity and if you have any other underlying complications.

Less severe or asymptomatic cases could be managed employing self-care. Such efforts include losing weight, engaging in physical activity, consuming a healthy diet, and remaining properly hydrated.

You might also find relief through the use of compression stockings. This constrictive leg ware promotes more efficient blood circulation.

If you are experiencing an especially painful or aesthetically-unpleasing incident, you might benefit from surgical or medical procedures, such as sclerotherapy, laser treatment, vein stripping, phlebectomy, or endoscopic vein surgery.

Contacting Us

If you are experiencing varicose veins, you are urged to receive a thorough evaluation from the best dermatologist in Southampton, PA. The team of experienced professionals at Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialists possess extensive experience diagnosing and treating varicose veins.