Skin Growths

Benign skin growths are not considered cancerous. Skin growths refer to any unusual bump, lump, or patch that develops on the skin. They can occur for various reasons, including normal skin changes, benign tumors, infections, or even cancerous conditions. Skin growths can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired (developing later in life).

There are several types of skin growths, each with its unique characteristics and potential causes. Some of the most common include:

1. Moles (Nevi): Small, pigmented growths that can appear anywhere on the body. Most moles are benign, but changes in size, shape, or color may require evaluation to rule out melanoma.
2. Skin Tags (Acrochordons): Small, soft, flesh-colored growths that typically develop in areas where the skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Skin tags are harmless but may be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort.
3. Seborrheic Keratoses: Rough, scaly, or wart-like growths that can range in color from light tan to black. Almost every adult will develop seborrheic dermatoses.  These are benign but can sometimes be mistaken for more serious skin conditions due to changes in size and color and occasional discomfort and itching.
4. Lipomas: Soft, rubbery lumps located deep under the skin that are composed of fatty tissue and are generally painless. Lipomas are non-cancerous and can appear on any part of the body.
5. Actinic Keratoses: Rough, scaly patches that develop due to prolonged sun exposure. Typically seen skin with the greatest amount of sun exposure including the face, scalp, ears, and upper and lower extremities. While they are not cancerous, they have a small bout well known risk of progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
6. Warts: Small, rough, raised growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts can appear on various parts of the body and are generally harmless but may be treated to prevent spreading.
7. Cysts: These are closed sacs filled with fluid, pus, or other material. They can develop anywhere on the body and are often painless. Common types of cysts include epidermoid cysts and pilar cysts. While they are usually benign, cysts can sometimes become infected or inflamed, requiring treatment.
8. Sebaceous Hyperplasia: This is small, yellowish, soft bumps that develop when the sebaceous glands become enlarged. They often appear on the face, especially on the forehead and cheeks. These growths are benign and do not pose any health risks, but they can be removed for cosmetic reasons.

Skin growths can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin type. The causes of skin growths vary depending on the type of growth. Some of the most common causes include:

• Age: Older adults are more likely to develop benign skin growths like seborrheic keratoses and skin tags.
• Genetics: A family history of certain skin growths, such as moles or lipomas, may increase the risk of developing them.
• Sun exposure: Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds can lead to the development of actinic keratoses and increase the risk of skin cancers.
• Immune system health: People with weakened immune systems, due to conditions like HIV or medications, may be more susceptible to certain types of skin growths.
• Infections: Viral infections, such as those caused by HPV, can lead to the development of warts.
• Skin Friction or Irritation: Skin tags often develop in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the neck and underarms.

Diagnosing skin growths starts with a visual examination by one of our dermatologists, who checks the size, shape, and color of the growth. If needed, a biopsy is performed to take a tissue sample for analysis, helping to determine if the growth is benign or malignant. Depending on the case, this can involve shaving a layer, using a punch tool, or removing the entire growth.

They also consider patient history, such as duration, symptoms, and risk factors like sun exposure, and other skin growths noted in your history. Early diagnosis is key. The specialists at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute are experienced in identifying and treating a variety of skin growths.

Treatment for skin growths varies depending on the type of growth, its size, location, and whether it is benign or malignant. Common benign growths, such as skin tags and warts, may not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns. If treatment is needed, dermatologists can offer several effective options including:

1. Cryotherapy: A technique that uses extreme cold to freeze and remove skin growths like warts and actinic keratoses.
2. Excision: Surgical removal of the growth, which may be recommended for lipomas, moles, or other suspicious lesions that need further analysis.
3. Laser Therapy: Laser treatment can be used to remove certain benign skin growths, such as skin tags and seborrheic keratoses.
4. Topical Treatments: Creams or gels may be prescribed to treat actinic keratoses or certain types of warts.
5. Electrocautery: A procedure that uses heat to burn off unwanted skin growths, such as skin tags.