Skin Lesions

Listed below are common skin lesions that can occur on the body, arms and legs.

The large majority are benign and can be removed with the patient awake under local anaesthesia. This involves the injection of an anaesthetic solution under the skin, which completely 'numbs' the area so you feel no sensation.

Larger skin lesions and some lipomas (fatty lumps) may require a general anaesthetic.

Common skin lesions

Benign

Benign papilloma
Intradermal naevus
Skin mole
Sebaceous cyst
Seborrhoeic keratosis
Viral wart
Lipoma
Neurofibroma
Dermatofibroma

Malignant

Superficial Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Malignant melanoma
Keratoacanthoma

Your surgeon will discuss with you the typr of skin lesion that you have and if you require super-specialist care. The commonest side effect of treatment is wound infection and recurrence at the excision site which is small.

Any skin lesion which is considered very serious, too large or possibly malignant will require specialised surgery. In this case you will be referred to the most appropriate clinician, which may be a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon.

Facial lesions will generally not be treated by Professor Sheen.