Understanding Skin Lesions, Common Disorders, and Skin Cancer Types

A neoplasm is simply a “new growth” – the prefix neo means new and plasma means growth. Not every neoplasm is cancerous; it is a new growth that needs observation. When evaluating a skin lesion, clinicians watch for how quickly it spreads, the pattern of spread, and its overall appearance. Lesions can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non‑cancerous). As one speaker put it, “skin lesions don’t always indicate whether or not they’re malignant meaning cancerous or benign meaning they are not cancerous.”

Common Skin Disorders and Diseases

• Alopecia – the clinical term for hair loss, which can arise for many reasons.
• Acne vulgaris – includes blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules; it is tied to hormonal balance and skin homeostasis.
• Cellulitis – a bacterial infection that causes redness, inflammation, and itchiness; it must be monitored for spread.
• Dermatitis – inflammation of the skin, usually presenting as a rash and itching; “dermatitis itis inflammation Derma meaning skin.”
• Eczema – a scaly, reddish, itchy rash often linked to food or drug allergies.
• Psoriasis – appears as a grayish‑white, scaly rash, distinct from eczema’s red rash.
• Herpes simplex – viral blisters on the mouth, lips, and face, commonly called cold sores.
• Impetigo – a bacterial infection that oozes, is itchy, and highly contagious; sometimes called “hoof and mouth disease” or “hand foot and mouth disease.”
• Keloid – an overgrowth of scar tissue, more common in people with higher melanin levels; “keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue.”
• Nodules – small, usually painless growths under the skin.
• Petechiae – ruptured capillaries that appear as tiny red spots.
• Pediculosis – infestation by lice anywhere on the body.
• Ringworm – a circular fungal infection that spreads outward if untreated; “ringworm … circular lesions hence the term ring.”
• Rosacea – dilation of facial blood vessels causing redness; “rosacea … dilation of facial blood vessels which causes the redness.”

Skin Carcinomas

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common skin carcinoma, driven by sun exposure. It typically presents as a lesion that does not heal and worsens over time. The lesion may become raised, prompting patients to seek examination because of rapid changes.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Also linked to sun exposure, this carcinoma often appears on the face or head. It starts flat, may ooze, form a crust, and then rise. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, it can metastasize, spreading to surrounding tissues.

Malignant Melanoma

The most aggressive form of skin cancer. Excessive sun exposure triggers its development. It is characterized by itching, bleeding, and noticeable changes in appearance. The tumor can enlarge, rise above the skin surface, and spread aggressively, demanding urgent medical attention.