Common Skin Growths

Dermatofibromas are non-cancerous growths that only require treatment if they become tender, painful or itchy. They are usually seen on the lower legs or trunk and are of unknown origin although they may occur following trauma.

Prurigo nodularis produces intensely itchy bumps on the skin that arise for an unknown reason. There are several different treatments, and your Advanced Dermatology specialist can discuss them during your appointment.

Keratoacanthomas are low-grade tumors (growths with cells that look almost normal), and which generally arise on sun damaged, hair-bearing skin. These can grow quite rapidly causing you concern, and should be promptly examined and treated by your Advanced Dermatology provider.

Pyogenic granulomas are completely benign lumps that appear most commonly in children, pregnant women and in patients taking certain medications. These lesions can grow quite quickly over a few weeks, reaching an average size of one-half inch, and may bleed. It’s best to get them checked to rule out more serious conditions. These growths can be treated and often disappear spontaneously in pregnant women after delivery.

Cysts (epidermoid, pilar and others) are abnormal, enlarged sac-like pockets under the skin that contain different things like air, fluid, pus or other materials. They can occur anywhere on the skin and might become tender and problematic. These are commonly treated by your Advanced Dermatology provider.

Milia occur when tiny skin flakes become trapped in little pockets near the surface of the skin. They are seen mostly on the face of newborns or more mature adults, especially females. The pinpoint white "milk spots" may take a few weeks or months to go away. Your Advanced Dermatology cosmetic specialists, aestheticians and medical providers can treat these spots.

Sebaceous hyperplasias are benign overgrowths of the oil-producing glands on the face of middle-aged to elderly people. Since they can resemble basal cell carcinomas, it's important to have your Advanced Dermatology provider evaluate them right away.

Digital mucinous pseudocysts, also called digital mucous cysts are non-cancerous lumps that can develop on the ends of the fingers and sometimes the toes. They are usually not bothersome but can grow and cause nail problems, which is a reason to visit your Advanced Dermatology provider for treatment.

Lipomas are usually small overgrowths of fat cells located just under the skin. They tend to feel doughy or rubbery and can appear at any age but are most common in older adults. They are non-cancerous, but since they can grow and become problematic, they should be evaluated by your provider.

Xanthelasmas are yellow deposits of cholesterol around the eyes that develop in adults, more often females. They may be caused by internal cholesterol problems and can become disfiguring. Once diagnosed, they can be removed by your Advanced Dermatology provider.

Adnexal (syringoma, trichoepithelioma and others) are a variety of generally non-cancerous growths that can be found anywhere on the body but are often found on the face. Adnexal carcinomas can occur, so it is important to have any unidentified growth evaluated by your provider.

Neurofibroma is a generally non-cancerous tumor on a nerve that can occur under the skin anywhere in the body. It tends to develop around the time of puberty, and can be isolated, or occur throughout the body with multiple lesions (systemic). Occasionally these can cause pain or numbness in the affected area if the tumor presses against nerves. Neurofibromas can be treated by your medical provider.

Angiomas, commonly called cherry angiomas due to their red color, are non-cancerous spots that can grow anywhere on the body in adulthood. They form from an overgrowth of capillaries and can occasionally be problematic, requiring treatment from your Advanced Dermatology provider.

Seborrheic keratoses are non-cancerous growths that tend to appear later in life, so they have been called many things, including liver spots, age spots, and barnacles on the ship of life. Occasionally these can change or become problematic, so it’s important that they’re looked at by a dermatology specialist.

Verrucous acanthomas are large, thick versions of seborrheic keratoses (see above).

Moles are small areas that can be pigmented or flesh colored. They can be on your skin from birth or develop during adulthood. Most moles do not become melanoma skin cancer, but they should be looked at by your Advanced Dermatology medical provider annually.