This article provides educational information about skin growths for general knowledge and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a qualified healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, can definitively diagnose a skin lesion. While the vast majority of warts are non-cancerous, certain forms of skin cancer can closely resemble their appearance. Understanding the typical features of benign warts and the concerning signs of malignancy is important for knowing when to seek professional evaluation.
Understanding Common Warts
Warts are benign skin growths caused by infection with one of the many types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The virus causes the top layer of skin to grow rapidly, resulting in a firm, textured bump that is often flesh-colored, brown, or gray. They are typically found on the hands, fingers, and around the nails, but can appear on nearly any part of the body. The appearance is often described as rough, dome-shaped, or resembling a miniature cauliflower head.
A distinctive feature of many common warts is the presence of small black dots, sometimes incorrectly called “seeds.” These specks are actually tiny blood vessels, or capillaries, that have clotted within the wart tissue. Warts generally develop slowly over a period of weeks or months after the initial viral exposure. Their appearance can vary significantly, which is why other skin conditions are sometimes mistaken for them.
Plantar warts, for example, grow inward on the soles of the feet due to the pressure of walking, giving them a flattened, grainy appearance. Flat warts are smaller and smoother, often appearing in large clusters on the face, arms, or legs.
Skin Growths That Look Like Warts
Certain types of skin cancer can develop a rough, scaly, or nodular appearance that closely mimics a benign wart, creating diagnostic confusion for the untrained eye. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common non-melanoma skin cancers that can present as a persistent, wart-like growth. These lesions often appear as a hard, red, or pink domed bump that may have a central depression or be covered in a crusty, scaly plaque. SCC grows from the cells in the outer layer of the skin and can sometimes develop from a pre-cancerous lesion called actinic keratosis.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), the most frequent type of skin cancer, can also occasionally develop a warty appearance. While BCC commonly presents as a shiny, pearly bump or a non-healing sore, a pigmented subtype can appear as a dark, irregular growth that may be mistaken for a wart or even melanoma. These growths often occur in sun-exposed areas, such as the face, ears, and hands, where common warts are also frequently found.
Less commonly, a dangerous skin cancer called amelanotic melanoma can also be mistaken for a benign growth, including a wart. This type of melanoma lacks the typical dark pigment, appearing as a pink, red, or skin-toned lesion. When amelanotic melanoma becomes nodular or elevated, its appearance can be particularly deceptive, requiring professional evaluation.
Visual Signs Requiring Medical Attention
The most important way to distinguish a harmless wart from a potentially cancerous lesion is by observing changes in the growth over time. A healthy wart generally maintains a consistent appearance, while a malignant growth will often demonstrate evolution. Any wart-like lesion that begins to grow rapidly in size should be considered suspicious and warrants immediate medical review.
Bleeding or crusting is another significant red flag, particularly if it occurs without injury or persists for more than a few weeks. While warts may bleed if picked or scraped, cancerous growths frequently bleed or ooze due to the fragility of the abnormal tissue. A lesion that becomes persistently painful, tender, or itchy is also a strong indicator that the growth is not a typical benign wart.
Furthermore, a concerning growth may show signs of asymmetry or have irregular, poorly defined borders, which contrasts with the typically round or oval shape of a common wart. Look for variations in color, such as shades of red, white, blue, or black appearing within the same growth. Finally, any sore or growth that simply fails to heal, especially after a period of several weeks, must be checked by a dermatologist.