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Glossary of terms used on this site
There are 11 entries in this glossary.All
| 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). |
