Warts are another type of growth that can occur anywhere on the body and are caused by an exposure to viruses that belong in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. When there is a break in the skin, the human papillomavirus can enter the body and cause an infection of the cells underneath the skin, resulting in a wart.

The most common type of wart is usually non-cancerous but, as with any new growth, it’s important to have them assessed to make sure they are benign. In some cases, warts may disappear on their own but it can take several months or even years for them to fade.

Because warts are caused by a virus, there is a chance of additional growths spreading on your body or even spreading to other people. Luckily, there are a number of appropriate treatments our practitioners can utilize to help remove warts.

Warts can be removed using the following treatments:

• Cryotherapy - the wart is frozen off using liquid nitrogen
• Electrosurgery - eliminating the wart with an electric current
• Salicylic Acid Preparations - gels, pads, drops or plasters that destroy the protein and the layer of skin that makes up the wart in about 6-12 weeks (sometimes, a compounded salicylic acid preparation is prescribed for more recalcitrant warts)

Moles are the most common type of skin bump. Moles are formed by a cluster of the skin’s pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Moles often appear as brown, black, pink or flesh-colored, and they can also be raised or flat.

There are people born with moles, but most people develop them with age. Certain factors can increase your risk of developing moles, including genetics, environment, sun exposure, certain medications.

Most moles are harmless but with any new or changing mole, it’s important to have it evaluated by Dr. Burke to check for signs of melanoma. Moles can be easily removed if they are potentially skin cancer, aesthetically unappealing, or uncomfortable (for example, rubs against clothing). Moles can be easily removed using surgical excision or the shave mole removal technique.

Today, about 1 in 5 people in the United States will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news is, that if detected and treated early, most types of skin cancer have very high cure rates and long-term outcomes. Dr. Burke is an expert in prevention, diagnosis, and skin cancer treatments to give patients the best chance at a cure.

At Burke Dermatology, we treat Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), Melanoma or Malignant Melanoma, Actinic Keratosis (precancerous lesions that can develop into SCC). There are many risk factors that can contribute to getting skin cancer.

The BEST thing you can do to detect skin cancer early no matter your age is to check your skin at least once a month and have have yearly professional skin exams.

Coming soon.

Moles, warts, and benign skin growths fall under the “lumps and bumps” category and all can be upsetting to look at and cause social and psychological unease for anyone who develops unwanted growths of any kind. What’s more, with the prevalence of skin cancer, these growths are a cause for potential concern and should be evaluated. That’s why it’s important to monitor and seek a consultation to evaluate any growths you may have.

While most mysterious lumps are benign, they can also often be quickly removed using the latest cosmetic techniques, restoring the smoothness of your skin along with your confidence and self-esteem.

It's important to have regular checkups to monitor skin growths that might be cancerous.

Coming soon.