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actinic keratosis - a precancerous condition of thick, scaly patches
of skin.
anesthetics - drugs that cause loss of sensation to pain or awareness.
angioma - a benign tumor in the skin, which is made up
of blood or lymph vessels.
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basal cells - type of cells that are found in the
outer layer of skin. Basal cells are responsible for producing the
squamous cells in the skin.
basal cell carcinoma - the most common form of skin
cancer; characterized by small, shiny, raised bumps on the skin that may
bleed.
biological therapy (Also
called
biological response modifier (BRM) therapy, or immunotherapy.) - tries to get your own body
to fight cancer by using materials made by your own body, or made in a laboratory, to
boost, direct, or restore your body's natural defenses against disease.
biopsy - the procedure of removing tissue for examination under a
microscope.
botulinum toxin type A - an injection of botulinum toxin into
specific muscles will immobilize those muscles, preventing them from forming
wrinkles and furrows.
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carcinoma - cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or
cover internal organs.
chemical peels - a procedure often used to minimize sun-damaged
skin, irregular pigment, and superficial scars. The top layer of skin is
removed with a chemical application to the skin. By removing the top layer,
the skin regenerates, often improving the skin's appearance.
chemotherapy - treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells.
collagen - a natural protein found in humans that forms
connective tissue and provides strength, resilience, and support to the
skin, ligaments, tendons, bones, and other parts of the body.
cryosurgery - freezing the tumor, which kills cancer cells.
cyst - a deep lesion that is filled with pus or other
contents.
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dermabrasion - used to minimize small scars, minor skin surface
irregularities, surgical scars, and acne scars. As the name implies,
dermabrasion involves removing the top layers of skin with an electrical
machine that "abrades" the skin. As the skin heals from the procedure,
the surface appears smoother and fresher.
dermatofibroma - small, red or brown bumps in the
skin.
dermis - the middle layer of skin, which is made up of
blood vessels, lymph vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, collagen
bundles, and fibroblasts.
dermoid cyst - a benign tumor made up of hairs, sweat
glands, and sebaceous glands.
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electrochemotherapy
- uses a combination of chemotherapy and electrical pulses to
treat cancer.
epidermis - the outermost layer of skin.
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immune system - a collection of cells and
proteins that works to protect the body
from potentially harmful, infectious microorganisms, such as
bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
immunocompromised - an abnormal condition
where one's ability to fight infection is decreased. This can be due to a disease process, certain medications, or
a condition present at birth.
immunotherapy - involves injecting a medication (called interferon) to
boost the body's own immune system, helping it to slow the growth of cancer.
inflammation - redness, swelling, heat, and
pain in a tissue due to chemical or physical
injury, infection, or allergic reaction.
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keloids - smooth, pink, raised, firm, fibrous growths on the skin
that form secondary to injury.
keratinocytes (Also called squamous cells.) - the
primary cell types found in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin.
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laser resurfacing - uses high-energy light to burn away damaged
skin. Laser resurfacing may be used to minimize wrinkles and fine scars.
lymph nodes - small organs that store cells that fight infection and
other diseases. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body along the channels of the
lymphatic system.
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macule - the smaller version of a patch - a flat
discolored spot.
malignant melanoma - a rare, but sometimes deadly, skin
cancer that begins as a mole that turns cancerous.
melanin - a substance that gives the skin its color (also called
pigment).
melanocytes - cells present in the epidermis that
produce melanin (skin pigment).
moles - small skin marks caused by pigment-producing
cells in the skin.
mycosis fungoides - cutaneous T-cell lymphoma skin tumors.
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nodule (Also called papule.) - a solid, raised bump.
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photodynamic therapy - uses a certain type
of light and a special chemical to kill cancer cells.
punch grafts - small skin grafts to replace scarred skin. A hole
is punched in the skin to remove the scar, which is then replaced with
unscarred skin (often from the back of the earlobe). Punch grafts can help
treat deep acne scars.
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radiation therapy - uses a radiation machine that emits x-rays
to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
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sebaceous glands - glands in the skin that secrete oil
to the surface of the skin.
sebum - oily substance produced by sebaceous glands in the skin.
SPF - Sun Protection Factor.
squamous cell carcinoma - a form of skin cancer that
affects about 20 percent of patients with skin cancer. This highly
treatable cancer is characterized by red, scaly skin that becomes an open
sore.
squamous cells (Also called keratinocytes.) - the primary cell
types found in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin.
subcutis - the deepest layer of skin; also known as
the subcutaneous layer.
systemic chemotherapy - chemotherapy taken by pill, or
needle injection into a vein or muscle.
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topical chemotherapy - chemotherapy given as a cream or
lotion placed on the skin to kill cancer cells.
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ultraviolet radiation - invisible rays that come from the sun. UV
radiation can damage the skin and cause melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
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wart - a non-cancerous skin growth caused by a virus.
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