Benign Skin Tumors

We treat the following types of benign skin growths:

Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibroma, or cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma, is a relatively common benign skin growth. These tumors can appear as small, raised, rough-textured bumps on the skin, and are usually found on the arms, legs, and trunk. They can be pink, brown, or purple.

Dermatofibromas are often caused by an injury or irritation to the skin, such as a puncture or an insect bite, that triggers an abnormal growth of cells. However, in many cases, the cause is unknown. The condition is most common in adults between 20 and 40 years old. Treatment is generally not necessary, though some people may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.

While dermatofibromas are medically harmless and do not require treatment, they can become painful or itchy. If you have dermatofibromas causing discomfort, your doctor may recommend surgical removal. Moreover, it is also important to check dermatofibromas regularly for signs of changes, such as growth in size or color or any other changes that could indicate cancer.

Hemangioma

Hemangioma is a benign tumor that develops when extra blood vessels form in the skin or internal organs. This condition is most commonly seen in infants and children but can also occur in adults. Hemangiomas can appear anywhere in the body but are most commonly found on the face, scalp, chest, or back. Most hemangiomas are harmless and will go away on their own without treatment. However, if there is any concern that the hemangioma is causing a health problem, treatment may be recommended.

There are two main types of hemangiomas, superficial and deep. Superficial hemangiomas are the most common and often appear as a red or purple patch on the skin. Deep hemangiomas are less common and can occur deeper in the skin or internal organs.

Depending on the size and location of the hemangioma, it may cause health problems such as vision or hearing loss, airway obstruction, or skin ulceration.

Keratinous and Pilar Cysts

Keratinous and pilar are both non-cancerous and typically harmless skin cysts. While they do not pose a medical risk, it is important to recognize their potential presence and possible effects on the body.

Keratinous cysts, or epidermoid cysts, are small lumps that can form beneath the skin, typically on the face, neck, chest, or back. They are caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of the skin. These cysts can be quite large and range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. They may be filled with a thick, yellowish material.

Pilar cysts, also known as trichilemmal cysts, are more common than keratinous cysts and are typically found on the scalp. They are caused by a buildup of keratin and sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin. Pilar cysts usually appear as firm, round bumps and can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.

In some cases, keratinous and pilar cysts can become infected, resulting in pain, redness, and swelling. It is important to monitor any changes in these cysts’ size or appearance and seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

Keratinous and pilar cysts can be removed by a doctor if desired. Removal can be done through surgical excision.. It is important to consult a doctor before attempting to remove a cyst, as there are potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. Smaller cysts may be treated with medications such as antibiotics or intralesional corticosteroids.

Lipoma

Lipoma is a benign tumor composed of fat cells that can form anywhere in the body.  They are commonly found on the neck, shoulders, arms, back, chest, thighs, and abdomen. It is usually soft to the touch and moves easily with slight pressure. Although lipomas are usually harmless, they can become large and uncomfortable and may require removal.

Lipomas are typically slow-growing and painless. They may become uncomfortable if they press against a nerve. Lipomas can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.

The cause of lipoma is unknown, but they are associated with genetic and environmental factors. People who are overweight or have a family history of lipomas are more likely to develop them.

Diagnosis of lipoma is usually made through a physical exam and imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan. If the doctor suspects a lipoma is cancerous, a biopsy may be performed.

Lipoma treatment is typically unnecessary, as they are benign and will not spread to other areas of the body. However, if the lipoma is large or causing discomfort, it can be surgically removed.

Moles

Moles, clinically known as nevi, are small, dark spots on the skin. Although they are usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate a more serious condition. It is important to understand more about moles to identify any potential health risks associated with them.

Moles are typically brown or black spots on the skin that are made up of melanin-producing cells. They can vary in size and can be either flat or raised. Most moles are benign and do not require medical attention. However, it is important to check them regularly for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture. If you notice any of these changes, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

It is also important to be aware that some moles may be at risk for developing into skin cancer. A mole that is asymmetrical has an irregular border, has more than one color, or is larger than a pencil eraser may indicate a higher risk of developing cancer. If you have any moles that fit this description, you should have them examined by a doctor as soon as possible.

Moles can also be removed for cosmetic reasons. However, this should only be done after consulting with a doctor. Moles can be surgically removed.  

Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic Keratosis (SK) is a type of non-cancerous skin growth that usually appears as a brown, black, or tan spot. It typically appears as a raised bump but can also be flat or waxy. SK can range from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in diameter and can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most common on the chest, back, neck, or face. SK is common in adults over the age of 40 but can occur in younger adults as well.

SK is caused by an overgrowth of keratin, the protein that makes up the outer layer of the skin. It is a benign condition, meaning it is not cancerous and does not lead to cancer. However, SK may be confused with skin cancer, so it is important to consult a doctor if you notice any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of a spot on your skin.

While there is no known cause of SK, it can be associated with genetics, aging, hormonal changes, and sun exposure. It is more common in people with fair skin but can occur in all races.

SK does not usually require treatment. However, if the growth is causing irritation or is cosmetically unappealing, it can be removed.

Skin Tag

Skin tags, or acrochordons, are small growths resembling round, extraneous skin flaps that can appear anywhere on the body. They are usually skin-colored or brown and can range from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in size. Skin tags are not cancerous or contagious and usually do not cause any pain or discomfort.

Skin tags are commonly found on the neck, armpits, groin, or eyelids. They can also appear on the face, arms, and legs. They may be found on their own or in clusters. They typically occur in people who have diabetes, a family history of skin tags, or are overweight.

Skin tags are generally painless and harmless, but they are considered cosmetically undesirable. If they become irritated, they may bleed or become painful. In this case, they should be removed by a medical professional.

Skin tag removal is relatively simple and is usually done in a physician’s office. A doctor will use a pair of sterile scissors or a scalpel to cut the skin tag off. They may use a local anesthetic to numb the area before removal.

Warts

Warts are a common viral skin condition. They can appear anywhere on the body and can grow as large as 10 mm. They are usually painless but can cause discomfort depending on where they are located. Warts can also be spread from person to person.

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is very common and is spread through direct contact with an infected person or through contact with an object that an infected person has touched. It can take weeks or even months after contact for a wart to appear.

The most common type of wart is a raised, flesh-colored, rough-textured bump. Warts may also appear as a flat, white bump. Other warts may appear as a cluster of small bumps.

Treatment for warts can vary depending on the type and location of the wart. Common treatments include over-the-counter medications, such as salicylic acid, or treatments provided by a doctor, such as cryotherapy, laser treatments, or topical medications.

It is important to remember that warts can be contagious and spread to other parts of the body and to other people. To help prevent the spread of warts, avoid touching infected areas and wash your hands frequently. If you have warts, it is best to cover them with a bandage.