What are some common skin growths?

Frequently evaluated growths include:

Skin tags
Epidermoid cysts
Lipomas
Cherry angiomas
Dermatofibromas
Sebaceous hyperplasia
Seborrheic keratoses
Moles
Milia
Warts

Some growths develop on the surface of the skin, while others form beneath it. They may remain unchanged for years or gradually increase in size.

What do common growths look like?

The appearance depends on the type of growth.

Skin tags are soft, flesh-colored or brown growths that often hang from a narrow stalk. They commonly form on the neck, eyelids, underarms or groin.
Epidermoid cysts are round lumps beneath the skin. Some have a visible opening in the center and may release a thick material if inflamed or ruptured.
Lipomas are soft, movable collections of fatty tissue beneath the skin. They usually grow slowly and are often painless.
Cherry angiomas are small red, purple or dark bumps formed by blood vessels.
Dermatofibromas are firm bumps that often develop after minor skin trauma or an insect bite.

Other growths may be rough, waxy, scaly, pigmented or wart-like.

When should a growth be examined?

Schedule an evaluation if a growth:

Appears suddenly
Grows rapidly
Changes in shape or color
Bleeds repeatedly
Becomes painful, hot or swollen
Drains fluid
Interferes with movement or grooming
Looks different from your other spots
Returns after removal

A painful, warm or draining lump may be inflamed or infected. Do not squeeze it, as this can worsen inflammation and push material deeper into the skin.

How are skin growths diagnosed?

Many common growths can be identified during a visual examination. Your provider may also feel the area to evaluate its depth, firmness and mobility.

A dermatoscope may be used for pigmented or surface-level growths. If the diagnosis is uncertain or the lesion has suspicious features, a biopsy may be recommended.

Imaging is rarely necessary but may be considered for a large, deep or rapidly enlarging mass.

How are common growths treated?

Harmless growths may not need treatment. Removal may be considered when a growth is irritated, painful, infected, changing or cosmetically bothersome.

Treatment may include:

Cryotherapy
Shave removal
Surgical excision
Curettage
Electrosurgery
Steroid injection for an inflamed cyst
Incision and drainage when appropriate
Prescription medication
Monitoring without treatment

The technique depends on the diagnosis and the growth’s size, depth and location.

Schedule a common-growth consultation

It is not always possible to identify a skin growth from appearance alone. The Dermatology Clinic can determine what the growth is, assess whether it needs testing and recommend appropriate treatment or monitoring. Contact us today to get scheduled.