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Common Skin Growths

What Are Common Skin Growths?

There are a number of common, non-cancerous skin growths that are prevalent in our population. These growths are caused by many different things. Some can appear after injury to the skin or from prolonged sun exposure. Others are just natural skin growths from aging. Genetics often play a role in determining if you’ll develop certain growths.

Common Skin Growth Examples

Moles

Moles appear anywhere on the body, but most develop in areas of sun exposure (back, chest and face). They can be round or oval, as well as flat or raised. Most are brown, but they can be black, pink, blue, tan or colorless. Usually, moles develop during childhood rather than adulthood. Most moles are harmless, but if it’s irritating or you don’t like the appearance of it, you can get a mole removed. If you notice a new mole or if a previous mole is itching, bleeding or changing, see a board-certified dermatologist. It could be a sign of melanoma or another skin cancer.

Skin Tags

These are small, flesh-colored growths that stick out of the skin. Typically, they happen in older people, specifically on the neck, trunk or armpits. They’re also more common in people that are overweight, diabetic or obese, and in pregnant women. If skin tags become irritating or painful, you may want to have them removed by a dermatologist.

Cherry Angiomas

These small, red or purple growths are filled with small blood vessels. They can grow anywhere on the skin, usually on the torso. Some people may develop hundreds of these growths. Typically they remain small, but can get larger. If they bleed, they may need to be removed.

Cysts

Epidermoid cysts, also known as sebaceous cysts, result from clogged pores. They form most commonly on the face, neck and back, though they can form elsewhere. They can appear yellow or white, possibly with what appears to be a blackhead in the middle. When squeezed, epidermoid cysts release a foul-smelling, cottage-cheese like discharge made up of dead skin cells. Pilar cysts are flesh-colored and dome-shaped. These usually form from a blocked hair follicle. Genetics play a large part in the development of these types of cysts. 

Dermatofibromas

These can appear after an insect bite, pimple or other small skin trauma, although they can appear without a previous trauma too. They resemble a mole or scar, and range in color from pink, red, brown or white and occur most often on the lower legs.

Neurofibromas

These are soft, skin-colored growths usually resembling moles or skin tags. They form along nerve pathways and are most common in children entering puberty, pregnant women and older people. If you develop multiple neurofibromas, speak with a dermatologist, as this can be a sign of another medical condition. 

Milia

Milia are small white bumps that appear on the eyelids and cheeks. This happens when tiny skin flakes get trapped near the surface of the skin. They’re common in older women and children, as well as those who regularly use oil-based skin products. Milia usually don’t require treatment, but if they are cosmetically unappealing to you, they can be treated.

Lipomas

These are rubbery lumps of fat that appear more commonly in older adults. They can be small or large, and feel soft and easily movable. Treatment is usually not needed, unless they become irritated or painful.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

These typically result from enlarged or clogged oil glands. They’re usually small and white or yellow colored, with an indentation in the center or small blood vessels. These growths appear on the faces of adults most of the time. It can look similar to basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, so it’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you develop these growths.

Seborrheic Keratosis

SKs are rough bumps, usually with a waxy appearance (like a dab of warm candle wax). They range in color from brown, light tan and black and vary in size. SKs can grow anywhere on the skin, except on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Most show up on the chest, back, face, scalp and neck. 

Related Treatments


Biopsy

A biopsy works by taking a small sample of tissue from a suspect area in the body so that it can be tested under lab conditions for certain diseases and disorders. Learn More

Excision

Excision is a minimally-invasive surgery technique used to remove moles, skin growths and lesions. Learn More

Mole and Skin Cancer Screening

A mole and skin cancer screening is a full body review of all present lesions. Recommended frequency will be discussed based on your individual cancer risk. Learn More

Oral and Topical Medications

Dermatologists are experts in bacterial, viral and fungal infections in the skin and have a deep knowledge of how to best use antibiotics, antiviral and antifungal medications. Learn More

Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy

Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy works by freezing and destroying the cells in a skin growth or lesion. Learn More

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