CONDITIONS
Skin and soft tissue disorders

Malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer that arises from cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin that gives skin its colour. Although melanoma isn't as common as squamous and basal cell carcinoma, it is aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can develop suddenly or arise from moles. It might be difficult to detect signs of melanoma because this aggressive form of skin cancer comes in different colours, shapes and sizes. It's crucial to spot melanoma in its early stages to prevent its spread to organs of the body.

Symptoms of malignant melanoma
Melanomas develop on areas that are exposed to the sun like the face, neck, back, arms and legs. Malignant melanoma may also appear on areas that aren't exposed to the sun like nail beds as well as the feet. Other signs of malignant melanoma include:
  • An unusual growth on the skin
  • A change in moles (colour, shape or size)
Reasons for malignant melanoma
New skin cells tend to snowball and form cancerous growths as a result of DNA damage. Genetics and exposure to ultraviolet radiation and the use of tanning beds are factors that increase the risk of malignant melanoma.
Malignant melanoma treatment
Treatment depends on the grade and thickness of the tumour. Before treatment commences, the surgeon measures the thickness of the melanoma. A thick melanoma requires immediate surgical intervention. If the melanoma is thin and superficial, the surgeon removes it along with nearby tissue. A sentinel lymph node biopsy is also needed to check if cancer has spread to lymph nodes.

Lipoma

A lipoma arises from an accumulation of fat cells. Lipomas are classified as benign growths that appear on the armpits, shoulders, chest and neck. Although rare, a lipoma can develop in muscles or bones. A lipoma is soft and mobile, especially when it's pressed. An internal lipoma develops deep within the skin and puts pressure on nearby organs and nerves.

Symptoms of a lipoma
Lipomas are noticeable supple and mobile lumps under the skin. Although a lipoma is a painless bump, it can cause pain when it affects blood vessels, nerves, nearby organs and joints.
Reasons for a lipoma
A family history of lipomas and a rare genetic condition such as multiple familial lipomatosis are factors that contribute to the formation of lipomas. Other rare genetic conditions that increase the risk of lipomas include:
  • Cowden syndrome: Cowden syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that’s characterised by benign growths known as “hamartomas” that occur on areas of the body.
  • Adiposis dolorosa: Adiposis dolorosa commonly affects overweight women and occurs when fatty tissue form.
Lipoma treatment
A biopsy is necessary to determine whether lipoma cells are cancerous. In most cases, a lipoma is harmless and doesn’t need to be removed. However, surgery to remove the lipoma is necessary if the lipoma causes pain and affects other functions. If the lipoma is small, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin and extracts fat cells. If the lipoma is larger than usual, the surgeon makes a larger incision or uses liposuction to squeeze the fat cells from the body.

Sebaceous Cyst

A sebaceous cyst is a benign skin abnormality that's filled with fluid. Sebaceous cysts are commonly found on the chest, neck and face. These cysts are slow-growing, and if left untreated, they can be uncomfortable. The sebaceous gland secretes oil called sebum that's essential for skin and hair. When the gland or its duct becomes blocked, oil cannot leave and a sebaceous cyst forms.

Symptoms of a sebaceous cyst
Small sebaceous cysts don't cause pain, but large cysts can be painful. A sebaceous cyst can form on the face, scalp, neck and back. Signs of a sebaceous cyst include:
  • A soft lump under the skin
  • Cottage cheese-like drainage from the sebaceous cyst
  • Foul-smelling cyst drainage
Reasons for a sebaceous cyst
Swollen skin hair follicles and blocked sebaceous gland ducts are a few causes of sebaceous cysts. These cysts occur due to skin trauma, surgical wounds and acne. Genetics, malformation of the sebaceous duct and surgical cell damage contribute to the formation of a sebaceous cyst.
Sebaceous cyst treatment
The surgeon drains or removes the sebaceous cyst. A surgical removal is a suitable option for permanent relief. Treatment involves complete or minimal excision. Wide excision is performed to remove the entire cyst, but a scar is left. Although a minimal excision doesn't involve significant scarring, there is a chance that the cyst will reappear.
 
 
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