Noncancerous Skin Growths

A skin growth is an area of skin (Read about "Skin") that looks different from the skin surrounding it, due to the presence of extra cells. A skin growth can be flat or raised, and can vary in color. Some skin growths are present at birth, and many skin growths become more common as we get older.

In noncancerous skin growths, the growth is limited, and does not spread to other parts of the body. This is different from cancer, in which there is uncontrolled growth that often does spread to other parts of the body. (Read about "Cancer: What It Is")

Below, you'll find information on some common noncancerous skin growths. It is important to remember that these types of growths are not cancerous in general. However, they can sometimes become cancerous, so suspicious growths or moles that change in appearance, should always be seen by a doctor or dermatologist. A plastic surgeon is sometimes involved in removing these growths, though other doctors can remove some of them as well. (Read about "Plastic Surgery")

Actinic Lentigines (liver or age spots)

As we age, we may develop grayish brown spots on the areas of our bodies that have gotten the most sun. These spots, called actinic lentigines, are often found on our wrists, the back of our hands, our lower arms and our faces. They are commonly called liver spots or age spots. (Read about "Age and Skin") The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says they should be called sunspots because that's what causes them. They are generally not cancerous. You can reduce your risk of developing them by avoiding excess sun exposure and/or using sunscreen. (Read about "Sunscreen")

Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratoses are often called barnacles. They can range in size from tiny to over an inch across. They tend to look like they were pasted on. Usually they are brown but can be lighter or darker. They are not caused by the sun so can develop anywhere but tend not to show up below the waist. They are not cancerous. The older we get the more likely we are to have them. (Read about "Age and Skin") If they become bothersome, because of cosmetic reasons or because they get irritated, they can be removed.

Dermatofibromas

Dermatofibromas are also called sclerosing hemangioma, subepidermal nodular fibrosis and histiocytomas. They are usually found on the legs. They tend to be round, starting out red and fading to brown eventually. They feel like hard bumps under the skin and in fact, most of the dermatofibroma is under the skin. The exact cause isn't known. They are most common in middle age and are generally left untreated. If they grow or start to bleed, they should be checked by your doctor.

Moles or nevi

Moles are clusters of pigmented cells. The medical term for a mole is a nevus, with the plural being nevi. Almost everyone has moles on their skin. Most moles are benign but some can turn cancerous so people should be aware of changes in their moles or any new moles. (Read about "Moles/Nevi")

Keloids

Keloids are raised areas of scar tissue that form over as an injury or wound. They are smooth and raised in appearance. A keloid can develop over any type of skin injury, such as burns, acne, cuts or chickenpox. (Read about "Burn Prevention" "Acne" "Wound Care" "Childhood Illnesses") African Americans (Read about "Minority Health") are more at risk of developing keloids. Keloids may get flatter over the years, but they may also darken. Various therapies, including corticosteroid injections and laser, may help to flatten them, but there is a chance that the keloid will re-form. Avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen can help to keep them from darkening. (Read about "Sunscreen")

Lipomas

A lipoma is a bump of fatty tissue under the skin. They can be firm to the touch, and may grow to 2-3 inches in diameter. Lipomas are generally benign, but they can be a problem if they are growing quickly, if they are pressing on a nerve or if they are in an area that rubs against clothing. In such cases, the lipoma can be removed, by surgery.

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