The small, soft, flesh-colored growth on a stalk you are describing is a common, harmless, and non-cancerous skin growth known medically as an Acrochordon. These growths are also frequently referred to as skin tags, soft fibromas, or fibroepithelial polyps. Estimates suggest that nearly half of the general population will develop at least one acrochordon in their lifetime, with incidence increasing as a person ages.
Acrochordon Terminology and Appearance
An acrochordon is a small, benign tumor composed of a fibrovascular core covered by a layer of ordinary skin tissue. They are characterized by a small flap of skin connected to the body by a narrow stem or stalk, medically termed a peduncle.
Acrochordons typically present as soft, small bumps that are skin-colored or slightly darker, sometimes appearing hyperpigmented or brown. Most are tiny, ranging from about two to five millimeters in diameter, though some can reach up to a centimeter or more. The most common locations for these growths are in areas where skin naturally folds or where there is frequent friction, such as the neck, armpits (axillae), groin, under the breasts, and on the eyelids.
Causes and Risk Factors for Development
The greatest contributing factor to the formation of acrochordons is friction. They tend to appear in intertriginous zones, which are areas where skin rubs against skin or where clothing causes constant irritation, such as collars or tight undergarments. This mechanical irritation stimulates skin cells to proliferate, eventually forming the pedunculated growth.
Acrochordons are also associated with systemic conditions and metabolic factors. There is a strong link with insulin resistance, making them more common in individuals with type 2 diabetes or those who are prediabetic. Obesity is another significant risk factor because increased body mass leads to greater skin-fold formation and subsequent friction.
Hormonal fluctuations can influence their development, which is why acrochordons may appear more frequently during pregnancy. A genetic predisposition is also thought to exist, as these growths often appear to run in families.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Acrochordons are benign growths, meaning they are non-cancerous and pose no threat to health. They usually only become bothersome if snagged by jewelry or clothing, which can cause irritation, inflammation, or bleeding. However, specific signs warrant a professional medical evaluation to ensure the growth is not something more serious.
You should consult a healthcare provider if the growth rapidly changes in size, color, or shape. Bleeding without a clear cause, or the development of pain and inflammation, should also prompt a visit.
A doctor can perform a proper diagnosis and, if necessary, a biopsy to confirm the growth is benign. This is important if the lesion is firm, nodular, or has an unusual appearance that does not match the typical soft, pedunculated structure of an acrochordon. Professional evaluation is also recommended if you develop a sudden, rapid increase in the number of growths or if they are located in a sensitive area.
Professional and Home Removal Options
Removal of an acrochordon is generally a cosmetic decision, as the growths are medically harmless. For professional removal, dermatologists use several quick and effective in-office procedures:
- Excision, or snipping, involves numbing the area and removing the growth at its base with sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel.
- Cryotherapy involves freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen, causing it to blister and fall off within a week or two.
- Electrocautery uses a high-frequency electrical current to burn and destroy the tissue at the base, immediately stopping any bleeding.
- Over-the-counter kits are available for very small tags, often using a band or ligation device to tie off the base.
These professional methods minimize the risk of infection and scarring compared to self-removal attempts. Cutting off a skin tag at home with non-sterile instruments is highly discouraged due to the risks of infection and excessive bleeding. An alternative at-home technique involves tightly tying a piece of dental floss or thin thread around the base of the peduncle to cut off the blood supply, causing the tag to wither and fall off naturally. Consulting a healthcare professional remains the safest course of action for larger lesions or those in sensitive areas.