Precancerous Lesions

While it is important to be able to identify the signs of skin cancer on the body, it is just as crucial to become familiar with any spots on your skin that change over time. At Metro Dermatology, we offer multiple therapies to treat lesions successfully and restore a natural health and appearance to your skin.

Metro Dermatology has convenient locations to serve you in Bronx, Elmhurst, and Flushing, New York and Fort Lee, New Jersey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

What are Precancerous Lesions?

Areas of the skin that look suspicious may not be cancer, but could develop into cancer over time. These lesions include:

  • Moles
  • Freckles
  • Keratosis

While almost everyone has these marks on their bodies, it is important to watch for changes, such as size and shape. Lesions that become irregularly shaped, asymmetrical, change in color or diameter or evolve from a small, round spot into a larger spot may require medical attention.

How are Precancerous Lesions Diagnosed?

It is important to watch your skin for changes, but a precancerous lesion can only be properly diagnosed by a dermatologist. During your consultation with our medical team, a basic skin examination may be all that is necessary to determine whether spots on your skin have become precancerous, but a biopsy may be necessary in some cases.

How Are Precancerous Lesions Treated?

At Metro Dermatology, we have several evidence-based, results-oriented treatments for removing precancerous skin lesions.

  • Photodynamic therapy – This treatment utilizes a photosensitive medication that is either administered intravenously or applied topically. After the medication is absorbed into treated areas, the patient is directly exposed to a specialized light. The process forms a chemical that destroys abnormal cells.
  • Immunotherapy – Also used to remove warts safely and effectively and alleviate the symptoms of Alopecia, immunotherapy stimulates your immune system to recognize foreign cells and strengthens its response in naturally killing these cells.

In treating certain types of precancerous lesions, photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy can be as effective as surgery or other more invasive therapies without added risk or recovery time.

Who Can Develop Precancerous Lesions?

While moles, freckles and other spots on the skin remain harmless in a lot of cases, the development of precancerous lesions can happen to anyone of any age and skin tone, but there are factors that can increase your risk of developing this condition, such as smoking or excessive alcohol use.

It is important to have precancerous lesions diagnosed and treated as early as possible to prevent the progression to skin cancer. An individualized treatment plan will be created for you during your consultation to achieve the best results.

Contact Metro Dermatology today to schedule a consultation and have your skin issues properly addressed.

Serving Fort Lee NJ: Englewood Cliffs, Teaneck, Leonia, Englewood, Palisades Park, Hackensack, Bergenfield, Tenafly, and Ridgefield Park, NJ
Serving Flushing NY: College Point, Whitestone, Murray Hill, Bayside, Fresh Meadows, and Corona, NY
Serving Elmhurst NY: Jackson Heights, Woodside, Sunnyside, Rego Park, and Astoria, NY
Serving Bronx NY: Southwest Bronx, Downtown Bronx, Concourse Village, East Tremont, Highbridge, Hunts Point, Longwood, Foxhurst, Woodstock, Melrose, Morris Heights, Morrisania, Crotona Park East, Mott Haven, Port Morris, The Hub, Mount Eden, and Mount Hope, NY