The Turmoil of Hormonal Acne: A Personal Struggle
One of the most challenging periods in life is adolescence. During this time, everyone fixates on…
The Truth Between Nurse Practitioners and Doctors
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) play an extremely important role in Canada’s healthcare system. NPs have…
Vascular
Vascular Vascular lesions are common benign lesions of the skin that can look alarming due to is colour. There are several different types of vascular lesion which vary in appearance (red or deep purple in colour) and treatment of the lesions depends on the origin of the lesion. Types of vascular lesions:
Keratoses
Actinic keratosis (AK) Seborrheic Keratosis (SK) Actinic keratosis (AK) also referred to as solar keratosis, is the most common pre-cancerous growth on the skin that is caused by long-term exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light. It appears as red, rough scaling spots. If left untreated, AK can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a malignant form […]
Melanocytic Naevi
Melanocytic Naevi Melanocytic naevi are pigmented moles. “Melanocytic” means that they are made up of melanocytes, cells that produce the dark pigment, melanin, that gives skin its color. Melanocytes clustered together to form naevi. Melanocytic naevi can be found anywhere on the skin. Melanocytic naevi that are present at birth or developed within the first […]
Dermatofibroma
Dermatofibroma Dermatofibroma, also called a cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma, is a common benign fibrous growth of the skin. They are composed of a mixture of fibroblastic and histiocytic cells, collagen, and blood vessels. They are firm and often feel like a stone under the skin, most common on the arms, lower legs, and upper back. Dermatofibromas […]
Dysplastic Nevus
Dysplastic Nevus A nevus (or melanocytic nevus) is a benign growth on the skin that is formed by a cluster of melanocytes (cells that produce the dark pigment and gives skin its color). A nevus is a pigmented mole. A dysplastic nevus (or atypical nevus) differs from a common nevus in size, shape, color, and […]
Melanoma
Melanoma Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma occurs when melanocytes (cells that synthesize pigment which determines skin colour) grows out of control and changes to abnormal cancerous cells. If melanoma is not treated early or not treated, the abnormal cells can spread from the skin to other organs.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and makes up 75% to 80% of all skin cancers. Basel cells are found in the lower part of the skin and constantly divide to form new cells, replacing the older skin cells that sheds off the skin surface. […]
Squamous Cell Cancer
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of cancer found in the middle layers of the skin (squamous layers). This happens when cells begin dividing uncontrollably, creating tumors and can possibly spread. SCC can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly in sun exposed areas, and can become life-threatening if […]
