Skin Growth

Overview

Skin growths are raised or protruding lesions that develop on or just beneath the skin's surface. While many skin growths are harmless, some may indicate underlying conditions or, rarely, skin cancer. Understanding different types of growths and their characteristics helps determine when medical evaluation is necessary.

Common Benign Skin Growths

  • Skin tags (acrochordons): Soft, hanging skin on stalks
  • Seborrheic keratoses: Brown, black, or tan rough patches
  • Cherry angiomas: Small, red, dome-shaped spots
  • Dermatofibromas: Firm, brown-red nodules
  • Lipomas: Soft, fatty lumps under skin
  • Epidermoid cysts: Firm bumps beneath skin
  • Milia: Small white bumps, common on face
  • Keratoacanthoma: Fast-growing dome-shaped bump
  • Pyogenic granuloma: Red, bleeding bump
  • Neurofibromas: Soft, flesh-colored bumps

Viral Growths

  • Common warts: Rough, raised bumps (HPV)
  • Plantar warts: On soles of feet
  • Flat warts: Small, smooth, flat-topped
  • Genital warts: In genital area
  • Molluscum contagiosum: Pearl-like bumps

Precancerous and Cancerous Growths

  • Actinic keratosis: Rough, scaly patches (precancerous)
  • Basal cell carcinoma: Pearly bump or sore that won't heal
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: Firm red nodule or flat lesion
  • Melanoma: Changing mole or new dark spot
  • Merkel cell carcinoma: Firm, painless nodule

Warning Signs - The ABCDEs

Monitor any growth for these concerning features:

  • A - Asymmetry: Irregular shape
  • B - Border: Blurred or irregular edges
  • C - Color: Multiple colors or color changes
  • D - Diameter: Larger than 6mm or growing
  • E - Evolution: Changes over time

Other Concerning Features

  • Bleeding or oozing
  • Itching or tenderness
  • Rapid growth
  • Doesn't heal within 4 weeks
  • Shiny or translucent appearance
  • Ulceration or crusting
  • New growth after age 30

Diagnosis Methods

  • Visual examination: Dermatologist inspection
  • Dermoscopy: Magnified examination
  • Biopsy: Tissue sample for analysis
  • Excisional biopsy: Complete removal and testing
  • Photography: Document changes over time

Treatment Options

  • Observation: Monitor benign growths
  • Cryotherapy: Freezing with liquid nitrogen
  • Electrocautery: Burning off growth
  • Surgical excision: Complete removal
  • Laser therapy: For vascular or pigmented lesions
  • Topical medications: For warts, keratoses
  • Photodynamic therapy: For precancerous lesions
  • Mohs surgery: For skin cancers

Prevention

  • Use sunscreen SPF 30+ daily
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Regular skin self-examinations
  • Annual dermatology check-ups
  • Avoid picking or scratching growths

When to See a Dermatologist

Schedule an appointment for:

  • Any new growth that appears suddenly
  • Growth that changes in size, color, or shape
  • Bleeding, itching, or painful growth
  • Growth that doesn't heal
  • Multiple new growths appearing
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Growths in areas of chronic sun damage
  • Any growth you're concerned about

Note: When in doubt, have it checked out. Early detection of skin cancer greatly improves treatment outcomes.