Understanding Skin & Superficial Lesions
Skin and superficial lesions include a range of conditions that affect the outer layers of the skin and nearby tissues. While many skin lesions are benign, others may be cancerous or have the potential to recur if not properly treated. These conditions often occur on visible or sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands, and extremities.
At Radiant Cancer Care, we provide personalized radiation therapy for select skin cancers and superficial lesions, offering a non-invasive treatment option when surgery is not ideal or when additional therapy is recommended to reduce recurrence risk.
Radiation therapy can be especially valuable for lesions located in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas.
Common Symptoms of Skin & Superficial Lesions
Skin cancers and superficial lesions may present with visible or sensory changes to the skin. Symptoms can include:
- A new growth, spot, or lesion on the skin
- A sore that does not heal
- Changes in color, size, or texture of an existing lesion
- Red, scaly, crusted, or rough patches
- Raised, pearly, or firm nodules
- Bleeding, oozing, or itching
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
Any persistent or changing skin lesion should be evaluated by a healthcare provider or dermatologist.
Diagnosis: What to Expect
Diagnosis of skin and superficial lesions typically involves:
- Clinical skin examination: Visual and physical evaluation of the lesion
- Dermatologic consultation: Referral to a dermatologist when appropriate
- Biopsy: Confirms whether a lesion is benign or malignant and identifies the specific type
- Imaging (select cases): Used when deeper tissue involvement is suspected
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment recommendations are based on lesion type, size, location, and patient-specific factors.
