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Medical Conditions

 


Dr. Sherrie Williamson and her staff are committed to helping patients with their skin care needs. We work with you to find the best solutions for your particular problem. Listed are a few of the many conditions that our patients are finding successful treatment for at our office. We always treat your medical condition with the sensitivity that you deserve.

Actinic Keratoses are dry, scaly patches or spots that are considered precancerous. An Actinic Keratosis can progress to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Because these lesions increase the risk of getting squamous cell carcinoma, Actinic Keratoses are usually treated. Proper use of sunscreens can help prevent these precancers.

Skin Cancer may appear in different ways but occurs with uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. The sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. See below for the 3 most common skin cancers.

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. Like Actinic Keratoses, Basal Cell Carcinoma develops on skin areas that have frequent sun exposure. It usually does not grow quickly, and it rarely spreads to other parts of the body.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Because Squamous Cell Carcinoma can grow deep, it can cause damage and disfigurement. Early treatment can prevent this and stop Squamous Cell Carcinoma from spreading to other areas of the body.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. The first sign of melanoma can be a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole, but it can also appear as a new mole. If there's a question in your mind, don't wait. Call us for an appointment.

Other Common Conditions

Atypical/Dysplastic Moles the word "dysplastic" or "atypical" means "not like the rest" or abnormal. Dermatologists us the words "atypical nevus" to describe a mole that does not look like a normal mole. Atypical moles tend to vary in appearance. An atypical mole can be larger than other moles. Some are more than one color. Others have a jagged border. These traits also are warning signs of melanoma. A dermatologist should examine all moles that show any of the following ABCDE's of Melanoma (listed at bottom of page).

Dermatofibroma are small, pink, dull red or brown growths that appear after a minor skin injury such as getting an insect bite or a pimple. They often look like a mole or scar. Dermatofibromas may feel firm, yet will pucker or dimple when pinched. Women are most likely to get these growths on their legs.

Hemangioma or "cherry angioma" is a small and bright red or purple growth consisting of many small blood vessels. Hemangiomas can remain small or grow to the size of a pencil eraser or larger. They can grow anywhere on the skin, most often on the upper body. Some people have hundreds of these growths. Larger angiomas may bleed and need to be removed.

Moles can be one color- often brown, but a mole can be tan, black, pink, blue, skin-toned, or colorless. Round to oval in shape. Flat or slightly raised. Look the same from month to month. Moles can differ in size, shape or color. Moles can have hair. Some moles change slowly over time, possibly even disappearing.

Rosacea is a chronic condition of inflammation that's characterized by redness and flushing on the face. More advanced cases may have Acne-like lesions. It may also cause burning and soreness around the eyes. Treatment can bring relief and allow you to control the condition.

Skin Cancer may appear in different ways but occurs with uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. The sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. See below for the three most common skin cancers.

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layers of skin. The viruses that cause warts are called human papilloma viruses, or HPV. Warts are usually skin colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can be dark, flat, and smooth.

 

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3301 W. Rock Creek Road | Norman, OK 73072 | Phone: 405.701.1010

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