Annoying lesion? Or insidious growths? Our skilled team gets to the bottom of your troublesome skin spots

Lesions diagnosed as “benign” are harmless; they are a proliferation of cells that mass together. But they are not cancerous or “malignant.” With that being said, at Ginsburg Dermatology Center, we appreciate that these growths can still be quite annoying, uncomfortable, detract from your appearance, and damage your self-confidence. Our skilled team, led by dermatologist Dr. Barry Ginsburg, has many options to remove affected tissues from his practice in Birmingham, Alabama. As with all treatments at our office, removing these lesions starts with accurately evaluating the trouble spots. Since many skin conditions resemble each other, it is critical to assure that the suspected benign spot is actually harmless and not a precancer or cancerous growth. Once we know more about the nature of the concern at hand, we can promptly and effectively treat it. 

About benign lesions 

Melanocytes are the pigment cells responsible for the color of your skin, eyes, and hair. Sometimes these cells cluster together. These clusters may look like large freckles or age spots, or they may be moles (or “nevi”). Not all of these spots are “classic” moles, meaning they can be flat as well as raised or wrinkled. They can be smooth or hairy. Aside from appearing brown or black, they may be pink, blue, tan, or even red. Most moles are an aggravation; however, some particularly large, asymmetrical, or unevenly-shaped and unevenly-colored growths may be skin cancers.

Additionally, moles can be uncomfortable. They may rub up against clothes or snag on jewelry. After we know what we’re dealing with, you may be a candidate for removal techniques, which include the following: 

• The mole is surgically “excised” or removed from the numbed skin. Suspicious moles may also be evaluated under the microscope to potentially detect cancerous cells.
• The mole is removed by precisely shaving it from the numbed area. Again, we use the tissue to also examine for the presence of cancer cells. 
• Energy from laser devices may also be applied to specifically targeted lesions, such as birthmarks. This resurfacing technique further promotes undamaged, new skin cells. 

Depending on what we find during your examination and factors such as the size and location of the lesion, Dr. Ginsburg may prescribe medications to aid in shrinking the likes of birthmarks. Since these growths can be so different, treatment starts with a consultation. We welcome your call — (205) 209-4780.