When in Doubt, Check That Skin Lump or Bump Out
You may ask yourself, “What is that spot on my skin?” Is there a lump, bump, mole, growth or skin lesion that leaves you a little perplexed? This is when the Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) Skin Lesion Clinic can help.
The advanced practice clinicians at LVPG Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery sees many people for skin conditions, such as skin growths and lesions, and are dedicated to guiding you through every stage of your care at two convenient locations: LVPG Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery–1243 Cedar Crest and LVPG Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery–Palmer Township. They are skilled at evaluating, testing and treating many skin issues.
Our skin lesion team of Kimberly Tacconi, PA-C, and Kenneth Rachwal, PA-C, sees people 8 and older who have concerns about skin growths, such as moles, cysts and skin tags for starters.
When asked when someone should have a skin lump or bump checked, Tacconi urges action.
“I'm pretty much an advocate for everybody to get everything looked at,” she says. “That's because some things are very subtle.”
Certain issues stand out. If something new just appears, isn't healing, changes, bleeds or is painful, it's worth a professional diagnosis.
“Many people just want to know it is benign, and if it's not bothersome often I won't do any treatment,” Tacconi says. “Sometimes benign marks are treated due to esthetics.”
At an appointment, Tacconi or Rachwal will examine your skin concern, and sometimes that examination is enough to determine your condition.
After the clinician has determined your diagnosis, they will provide you with a recommended treatment plan for the concerning area. That plan could be a medication, a procedure to remove it or watchful waiting which is monitoring the area closely for changes.
“It's really meaningful to be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and alleviate some worry,” Tacconi says. “So many people come in and say, ‘I am so scared and think I have cancer and you are telling me I don't.'”
Unfortunately, some lesions are cancerous. In that case Tacconi and Rachwal can help diagnose it and develop a treatment plan.
“The little brown spot they didn't think anything of turns out to be melanoma that they may have ignored,” Tacconi says. “Being able to help is rewarding.”
When in doubt, we invite you to check it out.
If you have a suspicious spot, don't wait to get checked. LVPG Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery can see you for your skin spots that concern you. To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit LVHN's Skin Lesion Clinic. Insurance coverage varies. Check with your insurance provider to see what procedures are covered.
This post is a sponsored collaboration between Lehigh Valley Health Network and Lehigh Valley Style.
