Pigmented lesions are darker areas of the skin caused by excess melanin in skin cells. Some pigmented lesions are present at birth, such as birthmarks, and some are acquired over time, such as sunspots on sun-exposed areas.
Key examples of pigmented lesions include: freckles, moles, age spots, cafe-au-lait spots, sunspots, Nevus of Ota, Nevus of Ito, Mongolian spots, Melasma.
Most pigmented lesions are benign, but some can be melanomas, or pigmented basal cell carcinoma.
The Treatment
Dr. Gabriel Poboran performs skin examination to establish a diagnosis of a PSL (Pigmented Skin Lesion). For some lesions a biopsy, shaving or excision to sample the tissue in question is required for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis by histopathologists.
Depending on the diagnosis, cosmetic appearance and patient preference, the lesion may be removed by surgical excision, (surgical shaving) or laser.
Surgical excision has traditionally been used for the removal of cancerous lesions as it does not leave any residual lesion.
The main disadvantage of surgical excision is that it leaves a scar on the skin, however in some instances it is the only option available, particularly for cancerous lesions.
A cosmetic alternative for benign pigmented lesions is Laser Pigmentation Removal and Intense Pulse Light.