Various growths can appear on the skin, sparking curiosity or concern. While many are harmless, understanding their characteristics helps guide decisions about seeking professional advice.
Common Benign Skin Growths
Many types of skin growths can appear as raised, “bean-like” structures on the skin.
Moles, or nevi, are common skin marks caused by pigment-producing cells. Some moles are raised and can feel soft or firm, varying in color from skin-toned to dark brown or black. They can change over time, sometimes in response to hormonal shifts.
Skin tags are small, soft, non-cancerous growths with a stalk-like appearance. They usually match your skin color or are darker. These growths commonly form where skin rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or under the breasts.
Seborrheic keratoses are frequent benign growths, characterized by a waxy, “stuck-on” appearance. They are round or oval, ranging from tan to dark brown or black, and may feel scaly or rough. These growths often appear on the trunk, face, or scalp, increasing with age.
Lipomas are soft, movable, fatty lumps that develop just beneath the skin. They are typically round or oval and feel rubbery, not hard, moving easily when touched. Most lipomas are small, usually less than 2 inches in diameter, and rarely cause pain unless they press on a nerve.
Dermatofibromas present as firm, small bumps, often reddish-brown, rooted in the deeper layers of the skin. They can vary in color, sometimes appearing pink or light brown on lighter skin, or dark brown to black on darker skin. A distinctive feature is that they may dimple inward when gently squeezed.
Cysts are slow-growing, movable lumps found under the skin. They arise from trapped skin cells and are filled with a cheesy, keratin-rich material. They can be flesh-colored or yellowish, sometimes with a central pore, and are commonly found on the face, neck, or trunk.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many skin growths are harmless, certain changes warrant professional medical attention. It is advisable to consult a doctor if a growth shows rapid changes in size, shape, or color. Any new growth that appears suddenly in adulthood and grows quickly should also be evaluated.
Specific warning signs for moles are summarized by the ABCDE rule. Asymmetry means one half of the mole does not match the other. Irregular borders are uneven, jagged, or blurred. Color variations include multiple shades of brown, black, or even red, white, or blue within the same lesion. A diameter larger than 6 millimeters, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, is also a sign to note.
The “E” in ABCDE stands for evolution, referring to any change in size, shape, color, or elevation of a spot. New symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting, or a sore that does not heal, also warrant medical consultation.
General Management and Removal
Many benign skin growths do not require treatment and can be safely left alone. However, individuals may opt for removal if a growth causes irritation, such as rubbing against clothing or jewelry, or for cosmetic reasons. If a growth becomes painful or inflamed, removal might also be recommended.
Professional removal methods are available for bothersome benign growths. Cryotherapy involves freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen, causing it to scab and fall off. Excision involves cutting out the growth, sometimes with a margin of surrounding tissue, and may require stitches. Shave removal uses a blade to make the growth flush with the surrounding skin, while electrocautery uses heat to remove it and control bleeding. These procedures are typically performed in a doctor’s office.