Comprehensive Treatment for Skin & Soft Tissue Disorders
Understanding Skin & Soft Tissue Disorders
Skin and soft tissue disorders are troublesome, yet common, conditions. In one soft tissue study over an 11-year period, 77% of those surveyed had experienced at least one skin or soft tissue disorder.
From melanoma to benign skin diseases, these disorders encompass various conditions that can negatively affect your skin. They often vary from minor irritations to severe, life-threatening conditions, and are typically caused by infections, autoimmune responses, genetic factors, or environmental triggers.
Of course, these disorders can have a major impact on a person’s health and quality of life. Beyond physical discomfort, they can cause emotional distress, social anxiety, and reduced self-esteem. Some conditions can progress to more serious health complications if left untreated, making early detection and specialized care even more critical.
With years of experience treating all types of skin and soft tissue disorders, we can help you better understand your condition. Whether you are looking for a second opinion or pursuing treatments for a current diagnosis, we are here to help.
Common Skin Disorders We Treat
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. It is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it can spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.
Some of the most common causes are prolonged exposure to UV radiation, genetic predisposition, fair skin, numerous moles, and a history of sunburns. Symptoms a person should watch for are the appearance of new growths, asymmetry, color variations, and changes in size, shape, or color over time.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds can lead to DNA mutations in skin cells, potentially resulting in Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). It develops in the squamous cells, which are flat cells in the upper layers of the skin (epidermis).
SCC typically progresses slowly over months or years, allowing for early detection and treatment. Early detection is crucial, as it improves cure rates, requires less invasive treatment, helps prevent spread, offers better cosmetic outcomes, and provides peace of mind.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, arising from the basal cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis. It develops when these cells accumulate DNA damage, primarily from UV exposure, which leads to uncontrolled growth.
BCC typically presents as a pearly, flesh-colored bump or a pinkish patch of skin, often with visible blood vessels. While it rarely metastasizes, BCC can be locally destructive if left untreated, potentially causing significant disfigurement. This type of skin cancer also occurs most frequently on sun-exposed areas of the body, with the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back being particularly vulnerable.
Suspicious Nevus
A suspicious mole, known as a nevus, that may signal skin cancer often shows signs like asymmetry, irregular borders, color variations, a diameter larger than 6mm, and changes over time. Other warning signs include moles that look different from others, itch, bleed, or have a rough surface.
If you notice one of these, it is important to have it checked quickly by a dermatologist for early detection and treatment of possible skin cancer, including melanoma. Early treatment can lead to less invasive procedures, higher success rates, and better appearance after treatment.
Lymph Node Biopsy
If you notice swollen lymph nodes, typically imaging studies will be ordered if the swelling persists. If imaging shows the lymph node to be abnormal, it is important to get a biopsy. Lymph node biopsies are vital for diagnosing cancers and assessing their spread.
The procedure is generally quick and performed under local anesthesia with minimal side effects like discomfort or bruising. Results from a biopsy usually take a few days to a week to process, providing crucial information for further treatment and determining stage of cancers and overall prognosis.
Lipomas
A lipoma is a slow-growing, benign fat cell tumor under the skin, usually round or oval and painless. They commonly appear on the trunk, shoulders, neck, and arms but can be found anywhere with fat cells. While these usually are not harmful, some people opt for removal due to their discomfort or for cosmetic reasons.
Common removal methods include surgical excision, liposuction, steroid injections, and newer minimally invasive techniques like laser therapy. The choice of method depends on the lipoma’s size, location, and patient preference, with surgery being most effective for complete removal and preventing recurrence.
Cysts
A cyst is a sac-like structure that can form in different parts of the body, usually filled with liquid, or thicker semi-solid material. Most cysts are benign but can vary in size and may cause discomfort or complications. Common types of skin cysts include epidermoid cysts, sebaceous cysts, follicular cysts, and pilonidal cysts.
Treatment depends on the cyst’s type, size, and symptoms, from monitoring to surgery. Surgery is often necessary for significant, symptomatic, or potentially malignant cysts.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis presents as red, swollen, warm, and painful skin, often affecting one side of the body, typically the lower limbs. It can cause symptoms like fever, chills, malaise, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes. Without prompt treatment, cellulitis can lead to serious complications.
The primary treatment of cellulitis is antibiotics, typically targeting bacteria like Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. For mild cases, oral antibiotics such as cephalexin are used, while severe cases may require intravenous options such as flucloxacillin or ceftriaxone, possibly with clindamycin, for rapid progression.
Abscess and Complex Wounds
Abscesses usually result from bacterial infections, such as from skin breaks or hair follicles, and manifest as tender, swollen, red areas with pus. They are usually treated with surgical drainage and sometimes antibiotics. Complex wounds, which stem from bacterial or fungal colonization, may require medication and advanced dressings.
Medical consultation is advised for abscesses larger than 1 cm, those worsening or located in sensitive areas, and for wounds showing signs of infection, delayed healing, or linked to conditions like diabetes.
Why Choose Us for Your Skin Disorder Treatment?
At Premier Surgical Network, we are dedicated to delivering compassionate care in New Jersey. Our team of award-winning medical experts specializes in a range of skin and soft tissue health treatments, including preventative screening, early cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
If you have a skin disorder, we invite you to contact us for a consultation today.