Boston Dermatology and Laser Center

Dr. Grevelink and his staff are very experienced at treating skin cancers utilizing many different modalities including surgical excision, topical chemotherapeutics, electrodessication and laser.

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratoses are small, scaly spots that develop on parts of the body that have been exposed to the sun. Actinic keratoses can have a variety of appearances. The earliest form may look like nothing more than a flat, red spot. As the lesion evolves, it may become scaly and even thickened, much like a wart. The vast majority of actinic keratoses develop on the face and the back of the hands, areas with significant sun exposure. A small percentage of these actinic keratoses may progress to squamous cell skin cancers if left untreated. Treatment can be liquid nitrogen, topical chemotherapeutics and/or laser resurfacing.

Cysts of Skin and Scalp

Cysts are growths under the skin on the body or the scalp, which result from blockage of oil ducts. Cysts can be bothersome because of their location and they may also become inflamed, causing pain. Usually cysts are benign growths that can be surgically removed at the patient's discretion. The procedure is simple, requiring only local numbing medication and is performed in the office.

Keratoacanthoma

Keratoacanthoma is a relatively common low-grade malignancy resembling squamous cell carcinoma in their clinical appearance, microscopic appearance, and predilection to sun exposed areas. It typically grows rapidly, attaining 1-2 cm within weeks, followed by a slow involution period lasting up to 1 year. The main problem in the diagnosis of this disorder is its differentiation from squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment consists of surgical excision or electrodessication and curettage.

Lipomas

This is a condition in which groups of fat cells in the subcutaneous tissues begin to grow spontaneously and produce a lump underneath the skin. These are referred to as benign fatty tumors or lipomas. This condition is quite common and frequently runs in families. The presentation of this disease is variable. Most patients have small fatty nodules (bumps) under the skin that are painless. The number of nodules may vary from very one to many. They are mostly located on the arms, forearms, legs and trunk but they can occur in the neck, face and buttocks. At times these nodules can be quite painful. Treatment consists of surgical excision.

Nevus (plural nevi)

Most nevi (moles) have a brown color but some are flesh colored. A common nevus in light-skinned people (usually called a mole) is typically small, round, tan or brown, with a smooth border, and exactly the same throughout. Other types of moles may be very large, or have irregular borders. There are dozens of different types of nevi, of many shapes, colors and sizes. It is very important to have moles examined regularly by a dermatologist and to be taught how to properly perform self-skin exams.

Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell is the most common cancer of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on the face, ears, lips and around the mouth of fair skinned individuals. It can start as a red patch or shiny bump that is pink, red, or white. It may be crusty or have an open sore that does not heal or heals only temporarily. This type of cancer can be cured easily, if treated early. Treatment often involves surgical removal of the entire skin cancer.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell is the second most common cancer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears as a scaly patch or raised, warty growth. It has a high cure rate when found and treated early. In rare cases, if not treated, it can spread throughout the body. Treatment consists of surgical excision to remove the entire squamous cell.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It usually looks like a dark-brown or black mole with irregular edges. Sometimes it is multi colored with shades of blue, red or white. This type of skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body and when found early, can be cured. If ignored, it spreads throughout the body and can be fatal.

Skin Tags

A skin tag is a small, brown or flesh-colored flap of skin that is usually narrow at its base. Skin tags may appear around the neck, under the arms, under the breasts, in groin creases, and on the inside of the upper thigh area. There is no known reason for the appearance of skin tags and they are not cancerous. They can be unsightly and annoying. They can be very easily removed.

Boston Dermatology & Laser Center
30-32 Lancaster Street • 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02114 • 617-722-4100 • Fax 617-227-1134