The appearance of a new skin growth can cause immediate concern, leading many people to wonder if a small, fleshy bump could be cancerous. A true skin tag, medically known as an acrochordon, is a common and entirely benign growth composed of collagen fibers and blood vessels loosely covered by skin. Skin tags are not a form of skin cancer, and they do not transform into cancer, though other growths can sometimes mimic their appearance.
Characteristics of Benign Skin Tags
Skin tags typically present as soft, small skin protrusions that hang off the body on a narrow stalk, or peduncle. They generally measure between one and five millimeters in width, though some can grow larger. Their color usually matches the surrounding skin tone or is slightly darker, appearing flesh-colored or light brown, and the surface is smooth or slightly wrinkled.
These growths are often found in areas where skin folds rub against each other, or where clothing causes friction. Common locations include the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. A true skin tag is generally painless and does not cause itching, unless it becomes irritated from constant rubbing against jewelry or clothing.
Key Differences Between Tags and Concerning Lesions
Distinguishing a benign skin tag from a potentially malignant lesion requires close attention to specific visual and physical characteristics. While a skin tag is symmetrical and soft, a cancerous growth, such as melanoma or certain carcinomas, often exhibits features that are irregular and evolving. The standard ABCDE criteria used for identifying melanoma are helpful for noting these differences.
A concerning lesion is often Asymmetrical, meaning if you draw a line through the center, the two halves do not match one another. The Border of a skin tag is smooth and well-defined, but a malignant growth may have edges that are irregular, notched, or blurred. Skin tags are typically one solid color, but a dangerous growth may show uneven Color variations, including shades of red, white, blue, black, or multiple tones of brown.
The Diameter of a benign skin tag is usually small, rarely exceeding the size of a pencil eraser, or six millimeters, while larger lesions are more suspicious. Most significantly, a cancerous lesion is often Evolving, showing rapid changes in size, shape, color, or elevation over a period of weeks or months. Any spontaneous bleeding, persistent crusting, or the development of a hard or firm texture in a growth that was previously soft warrants immediate professional attention.
Seeking Professional Evaluation
If a skin growth does not conform to the typical characteristics of a benign skin tag, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist. Any growth that shows rapid growth, bleeds without being snagged, or causes pain or tenderness should be addressed immediately. This is particularly important if the lesion displays atypical features like asymmetry, irregular borders, or unusual color changes.
The professional evaluation process is straightforward and provides a definitive answer to any concerns about malignancy. A dermatologist will perform a visual examination, sometimes using a specialized magnifying tool called a dermatoscope for a closer look at the lesion’s structure. If there is any doubt about the nature of the growth, a biopsy will be performed, where a small tissue sample is removed and analyzed to confirm if it is benign or cancerous.