What are the most common skin conditions?
Marije: “Actinic keratosis is something we see very often. These are red, scaly, or rough spots caused by sun damage. Actinic keratosis is not yet skin cancer, but it can become one. If left untreated, there is a chance it may develop into a squamous cell carcinoma.
We also frequently encounter basal cell carcinomas. This is the most common form of skin cancer and at the same time the least dangerous. However, it does need to be treated, otherwise it may grow larger, unpleasant wounds can develop, and it often becomes more difficult to treat properly.
When is a mole suspicious?
“It is mainly atypical moles that are considered suspicious. These moles are noticeable because they are not completely symmetrical, they are much larger, or they have different shades of brown. If we find such a suspicious mole, we examine it further with a dermatoscope (magnifying glass). If we see an irregular pigment network, a gray haze, or black dots, the mole is not completely calm. There is then a chance that the mole may develop into a melanoma. The advice depends on the location: on your abdomen or leg, you can easily monitor a mole yourself. If it’s on your back, that's more challenging. The advice is often to have the mole removed.”
What happens when a suspicious mole is found?
“Spots that we do not trust need to be removed. For actinic keratosis, this can be done by applying nitrogen or treating it with a cream. A basal cell carcinoma is usually excised. For the removal of suspicious spots, we refer to the general practitioner or dermatologist. They will of course receive our report, so they know exactly what our findings and recommendations are.”
How do you recognize a melanoma?
“Fortunately, melanomas are less common, but with this form of skin cancer, it is crucial to catch it early. A melanoma is often the 'ugly duckling' among your moles, the spot that stands out among all other moles. Melanomas are often asymmetrical, have increased in size, irregular in shape, and uneven in color. If you have a mole that changes, becomes larger, darker or thicker, or starts to itch, be alert.”
What happens if you suspect a melanoma?
“Then we refer to the general practitioner or dermatologist to have the spot removed as soon as possible. You only know what you are dealing with once the removed tissue is examined by the pathologist. The thickness of a melanoma largely determines the prognosis: very thin melanomas have a very good prognosis. This is often the case when you catch it early. If you wait longer, a melanoma can grow further, increasing the chances of metastasis.”
