A variety of skin growths can present on your skin. The most common growths include:
Cysts – Characterized by a sac underneath the skin that contains material, usually keratin. These may be surgical removed if desired. If left untreated, some may grow and become red and painful.
Lipomas – These are collections of fat underneath the skin. They present as rubbery, soft nodules found anywhere on the body. They do not have to be treated but may be surgically removed if desired.
Milia – These are very small cysts that present as white-yellow bumps, usually on the face. They are very common in newborns and may also present after certain cosmetic procedures. These may be easily extracted if desired.
Seborrheic keratoses – These are warty growths and the most common skin growths in dermatology.
Cherry angiomas – These are benign, bright red bumps. Treatment is not necessary unless bothersome or if they bleed and become irritated.
Skin tags – These are very common and present as pedunculated soft bumps, commonly along the eyelids, neck, groin, or armpits.
Moles – These commonly develop during childhood, adolescence and towards the beginning of early adulthood. They should be monitored for the “ABCDEs” of melanoma, which include:
A: Asymmetry (one half of the mole does not mirror the other half)
B: Border (The borders are irregular or indistinct)
C: Color (The color is not uniform or there are multiple different shades/hues)
D: Diameter (the mole is >6mm in diameter)
E: Evolution (The lesion is changing or growing)
Skin cancers – The three most common skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanomas.
