Many people are familiar with bumps on their skin, but might not know what a specific lump or lesion is. When it comes to skin growths, Palm Beach’s Carroll Dermatology offers accurate diagnosis—which is a necessary step in determining the best treatment for the patient. Some people choose to leave skin growths like benign moles in place, while others want the bumps removed for cosmetic or medical reasons.
Anyone who has a worrisome skin growth or has questions about what sort of risk a skin growth may pose for their future is encouraged to call Carroll Dermatology and arrange a consultation. Our experienced team will examine the skin growth, recommend a course of action, and provide personalized results to maximize your appearance and health.
There are numerous bumps that can appear just about anywhere on your body. The Carrol Dermatology team can give you a specific diagnosis at your examination.
Here are some of the most common skin growths our team addresses:
Known medically as nevi, moles are skin growths that form when pigment-producing cells called melanocytes cluster. The resulting concentration of darker-colored cells creates a noticeable spot. Freckles tend to be flat, and while moles may also appear flat on the surface, they may also be slightly raised or significantly taller than the surrounding surface.
Moles come in a variety of colors, from the same shade as the rest of the skin to a darker hue. Most nevi are benign, which means they won’t cause harm to the body. However, a particularly deadly form of skin cancer—melanoma—develops in melanocytes, resulting in a lesion that may resemble a benign mole. Malignant or cancerous cells will typically behave in a way that healthy cells do not, producing a spot that is asymmetrical, has an irregular border, is an unusual color or combination of colors, is larger in diameter, or that evolves rapidly. Any skin growth exhibiting one or more of these signs should be examined by a medical professional to be assessed for possible cancer.
Some people choose to remove benign moles for cosmetic reasons, even if they do not pose a health risk. Nevi may be surgically excised or removed in other ways.
- Dysplastic Nevi
Some moles are benign despite having some odd characteristics. These unusual skin growths are known as dysplastic nevi, and they may feature signs indicative of a higher melanoma risk—such as coloration or border irregularities—but still be safe to leave in place. Dysplastic nevi should definitely be examined, since any warning signs of skin cancer should be taken seriously and accurately diagnosed. Dysplastic nevi are markers for melanoma and those with them should have them removed. We don’t know which ones will become melanoma, but they are at higher risk for developing melanoma.
Warts are skin growths caused by a viral infection, which typically causes a bump to develop on the skin. The bumps are commonly small, rough and “cauliflower” like, though some are flat and smooth, while others are tall and narrow.
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, which may cause skin growths to appear on the hands, feet, face (especially around the eyes and mouth), and elsewhere. Warts on the bottom of the feet are called plantar warts. There are also genital warts, as well as periungal warts that grow around toenails and fingernails.
The type and location of the wart can determine the best treatment, which may include excision, freezing, or topical medications. Since the human papillomavirus is communicable, it is important to get warts removed in order to stop their spread.
Molluscum contagiosum resembles clusters of warts, but these skin growths are actually caused by a pox virus. The bumps are often the same color as the skin, but they may also be pink, red, or white and sometimes have a central dimple.
The bumps themselves can cause itching and soreness, but the discomfort is typically manageable and not indicative of a larger problem. The skin growths can be expected to resolve on their own within a year of their appearance, but there are medications that may shorten the duration.
A soft lump that can be felt just below the surface of the skin may be a lipoma, made up of fatty tissue. There are many reasons this commonly benign tumor may grow, and professionals sometimes recommend leaving them in place unless they are causing discomfort or are growing in size. Excision to remove the fatty tissue is the standard treatment, though there are also certain injectables that can work to dissolve the material.
Keratin is a protein that’s important for giving the outer layer of skin it’s toughness, strength, and protective qualities. Sometimes, keratin production gets imbalanced, and a collection of keratinocytes can cause a skin growth known as a seborrheic keratosis. These lesions are usually related to sun exposure and age, but are considered benign. Still, they can indicate the presence of cancer if there are enough of them growing rapidly, so having a professional examine them is a wise step to take. Removal may involve cryosurgery, electrosurgery, or other strategies.
Appearing as small, red bumps on the skin, cherry angiomas are benign skin growths that typically develop on the trunk or face, but may also appear elsewhere. They can be excised, frozen, or burned off for cosmetic reasons.
Treating skin growths is often a combination of medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology strategies. Acne is another example of a skin condition that can involve both aspects of skin care. For anyone seeking the clearest and smoothest skin possible, laser light, IPL, and other devices can help, as can microneedling, chemical peels, and more. Contact Carroll Dermatology for your own personal consultation that can set you on the path to healthier skin.
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