Glossary of terms used on this site

There are 11 entries in this glossary.
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Term Definition
Actinic Cheilitis

A form of actinic keratosis that occurs most often on the lower lip, causing it to become dry, cracked, scaly and pale or white.
Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis can be the first step leading to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and is therefore known as a "precancer."
Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer affecting approximately one million Americans each year. In fact , it is the most common of all cancers. These cancers arise in the basal cells, which line the deepest layer of the epidermis (top skin layer).
Bowen's Disease

Generally considered an early, noninvasive stage of squamous cell carcinoma.
Curettage

A procedure, using a curette (a surgical instrument designed for scraping biological tissue), where the growth is removed. Typically repeated a few times to help ensure that no tumor cells remain. Used in conjunction with electrodesiccation.
Dysplastic Nevi

Dysplastic Nevi (atypical moles) are unusual benign moles that may resemble melanoma.
Electrodesiccation

A procedure in which burning heat produced by an electrocautery needle destroys any residual tumor and controls bleeding.
Excisional Surgery

Use of a scalpel to remove the entire growth, along with a surrounding border of apparently normal skin as a safety margin. The excised tissue is sent for microscopic examination to verify that all cancerous cells have been removed.
Leukoplakia

Arising in the mucous membranes, these white patches on the tongue, gums, cheeks, or elsewhere inside the mouth have the potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery saves the greatest amount of healthy tissue, appears to reduce the rate of local recurrence, and has the highest overall cure rate - about 94-99 percent - of any treatment for squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The second most common skin cancer; occurring in the squamous cells that make up most of the skin's upper layers (epidermis).
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