Other Benign Skin Growths | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Skin growth	Characteristics	Treatment
Dermatofibromas	Small, firm, red or brown bumps caused by an accumulation of fibroblasts (soft tissue cells under the skin). They often occur on the legs and may itch. They are more common in women.	Dermatofibromas can be surgically removed if they become painful or itchy.
Dermoid cyst	A benign tumor which is made up of hairs, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. Some internal dermoid tumors may even contain cartilage, bone fragments, and teeth.	Dermoid cysts may be removed surgically for cosmetic reasons.
Freckles	Darkened, flat spots that typically appear only on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Freckles are common in people with blond or red hair.	No treatment is needed for freckles.
Keloids	Smooth, firm, raised, fibrous growths on the skin that form in wound sites. Keloids are more common in people with dark skin.	Keloids respond poorly to most treatment approaches. Injections of corticosteroid drugs may help to flatten the keloids. Other treatment approaches may include surgery, laser, or silicone patches to further flatten the keloids.
Keratoacanthomas	Round, flesh-colored growths that have a crater that contains a pasty material. These growths tend to appear on the face, forearm, or back of the hand. They usually disappear after a couple of months, but may leave scars. Many feel they are a form of squamous cell carcinoma.	Treatment usually includes a skin biopsy to rule out skin cancer. Other treatment may include surgical removal or injections of corticosteroids or fluorouracil.
Lipomas	Round or oval, easily movable lumps under the skin caused by fatty deposits. Lipomas are more common in women and tend to appear on the forearms, torso, and back of the neck.	Lipomas are generally harmless. But if the lipoma changes shape or you have symptoms, your healthcare provider may do a biopsy. Treatment may include surgical removal.
Moles (nevi)	Small skin marks caused by pigment-producing cells in the skin. Moles can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some contain hair. Most moles are dark brown or black, but some are skin-colored or yellowish. Moles can change over time and often respond to hormonal changes.	Most moles are benign and no treatment is necessary. Some benign moles may develop into skin cancer (melanoma). See below for signs.
Atypical moles (dysplastic nevi)	Larger than normal moles (more than a half inch across), atypical moles are not always round. Atypical moles can be tan to dark brown, on a pink background. These types of moles may occur anywhere on the body.	Treatment may include removal of any atypical mole that changes in color, shape or diameter. In addition, people with atypical moles should avoid sun exposure, since sunlight may accelerate changes in atypical moles. People with atypical moles should see a doctor for any changes that may indicate skin cancer.
Pyogenic granulomas	Red, brown, or bluish-black, raised marks caused by excessive growth of capillaries (small blood vessels) and swelling. Pyogenic granulomas usually form after an injury to the skin and bleed easily.	Some pyogenic granulomas disappear without treatment. Sometimes, a biopsy is needed to rule out cancer. Treatment may include surgical removal and electrodessication of the base.
Seborrheic keratoses	Flesh-colored, brown, or black wart-like spots. More common in middle-aged and older people, seborrheic keratoses may be round or oval and look like they are stuck on the skin.	Usually, no treatment is needed. If the spots are irritated, or the person wants them removed for cosmetic reasons, treatment may include freezing the area with liquid nitrogen or surgery.
Skin tags	Soft, small, flesh-colored skin flaps on the neck, armpits, or groin. They are very common. They may be linked to metabolic syndrome and increased risk of heart disease.	If the skin tags are irritated, or the person wants them removed for cosmetic reasons, treatment may include freezing the tags with liquid nitrogen, electrodesiccation, or surgery by cutting them off.

Skin Growths – Hull Dermatology & Aesthetics

Pigmented Birthmarks can grow anywhere on the skin and at any time. They are usually black, brown, or skin-colored and appear singly or in groups. They can be moles (congenital nevi) that are present at birth; Mongolian spots, which look like bluish bruises and appear more frequently on people with dark skin; or café-au-lait spots that are flat, light brown, or tan and roughly form an oval shape.

Red Birthmarks (also known as macular stains) develop before or shortly after birth and are related to the vascular (blood vessel) system. There are a number of different types:

Also known as follicular keratosis, this is a hereditary skin disorder that causes goosebump-like lesions on the back of the arms, thighs, or buttocks. The patches of bumps tend to get dry and itchy, particularly during the winter months. Keratosis pilaris occurs at any age. Because it is hereditary, there is no method of prevention. In some cases, it goes away on its own over time; in other cases, the condition is chronic. Keratosis pilaris is not harmful, however, it is very difficult to treat.

Keratosis pilaris is caused by a build-up of keratin, a protein in the skin that protects it from infection. Keratin plugs up hair follicles causing the rough, bumpy rash. Treatment options include prescriptions for:

To help alleviate symptoms, be sure to keep the affected area moistened at all times and avoid harsh soaps.

There are literally hundreds of different kinds of lumps, bumps, and cysts associated with the skin. Fortunately, the vast majority of these are harmless and painless. Below is a guide for some of the most common forms of skin lumps, bumps, and cysts:

Moles are brown or black growths, usually round or oval, that can appear anywhere on the skin. They can be rough or smooth, flat or raised, single or in multiples. They occur when cells that are responsible for skin pigmentation, known as melanocytes, grow in clusters instead of being spread out across the skin. Generally, moles are less than one-quarter inch in size. Most moles appear by the age of 20, although some moles may appear later in life. Most adults have between 10 and 40 moles. Because they last about 50 years, moles may disappear by themselves over time.

Most moles are harmless, but a change in size, shape, color, or texture could be indicative of a cancerous growth. Moles that have a higher-than-average chance of becoming cancerous include:

Congenital Nevi

Moles present at birth. The larger their size, the greater the risk for developing into a skin cancer.

Atypical Dysplastic Nevi

Irregularly shaped moles that are larger than average. They often appear to have dark brown centers with light, uneven borders.

Higher frequency of moles

People with 50 or more moles are at a greater risk for developing a skin cancer.

In some cases, abnormal moles may become painful, itchy, scaly, or bleed. It’s important to keep an eye on your moles so that you can catch any changes early. We recommend doing a visual check of your body monthly, including all areas that don’t have sun exposure (such as the scalp, armpits, or bottoms of feet).

Use the American Academy of Dermatology’s ABCDEs as a guide for assessing whether or not a mole may be becoming cancerous:

• Asymmetry: Half the mole does not match the other half in size, shape, or color.
• Border: The edges of moles are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
• Color: The mole is not the same color throughout.
• Diameter: The mole is usually greater than 6 millimeters when diagnosed, but may also be smaller.
• Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that is different from the rest, or changes in size, shape, or color.

If any of these conditions occur, please make an appointment to see one of our dermatologists right away. The doctor may do a biopsy of the mole to determine if it is or isn’t cancerous and/or may surgically remove it.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disease caused by a virus. This virus easily spreads from person to person.  People can get molluscum by sharing towels and clothing.  Skin-to-skin contact also spreads the virus.  Whenever you can see the bumps on the skin, molluscum contagiosum is contagious.

Often the only sign of molluscum is pink or flesh-colored bumps on the skin. These bumps can appear anywhere on the skin.   Most people get about 10 to 20 bumps on their skin. If a person has a weakened immune system, many bumps often appear. People who have AIDS can have 100 or more bumps.

A dermatologist often can diagnose molluscum contagiosum by looking at the skin. Your dermatologist may refer to the bumps on the skin as mollusca.  Sometimes the mollusca look like another skin condition. They can look like warts, chickenpox, and even skin cancer. If this happens, your dermatologist will scrape off a bit of infected skin. The infected skin will be examined under a microscope.  After diagnosis, treatment helps to prevent the virus from:

• Spreading to other parts of your body.
• Spreading to other people.
• Growing out of control in people who have a weakened immune system.

There are many treatment options. The treatment your dermatologist prescribes will depend on your age, health, where the bumps appear on your body, and other considerations.  Treatments may include:

• Cryosurgery: The dermatologist freezes the bumps with liquid nitrogen.
• Curettage: The dermatologist may use a small tool called a curette to scrape the bumps from the skin.
• Laser surgery: A dermatologist uses a laser to target and destroy the bumps. This can be an effective treatment for people who have a weakened immune system.
• Topical (applied to the skin) therapy: Your dermatologist can apply various acids and blistering solutions to destroy the bumps. These work by destroying the top layers of the skin. Tricholoracetic acid is often used to treat people who have a weak immune system and many bumps.When a patient has many bumps or large bumps, a dermatologist may need to repeat the procedure every 3 to 6 weeks until the bumps disappear. These procedures cause some discomfort.  While treating the bumps, it is normal for new bumps to appear as others fade.

Seborrheic Keratosis

Also known as seborrheic verruca, most people will develop at least one seborrheic keratosis during a lifetime. Fortunately, these lesions are benign and don’t become cancerous. They are characterized as brown, black, or yellow growths that grow singly or in groups and are flat or slightly elevated. Often they are mistaken for warts. Generally, no treatment is required unless the growth becomes irritated from chafing against clothing. However, because it look similar in appearance to precancerous growths (actinic keratosis), your dermatologist will likely biopsy the tissue to confirm the diagnosis.

If a seborrheic keratosis becomes irritated or unsightly, removal is conducted using one of these three methods:

• Cryosurgery: Freezes off the growth using liquid nitrogen.
• Curettage: Doctor scrapes the growth off the surface of the skin.
• Electrocautery: Used alone or in conjunction with curettage to burn off the tissue and stop the bleeding.

Warts

Warts are small, harmless growths that appear most frequently on the hands and feet. Sometimes they look flat and smooth, other times they have a dome-shaped or cauliflower-like appearance. Warts can be surrounded by skin that is either lighter or darker. Warts are caused by different forms of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They occur in people of all ages and can spread from person to person and from one part of the body to another. Warts are benign (noncancerous) and generally painless. They may disappear without any treatment. However, in most cases eliminating warts takes time.

The location of a wart often characterizes its type:

Common warts can appear anywhere on the body, although they most often appear on the back of fingers, toes, and knees. These skin-colored, dome-shaped lesions usually grow where the skin has been broken, such as a scratch or bug bite. They can range in size from a pinhead to 10mm and may appear singly or in multiples.

Filiform warts look like a long, narrow, flesh-colored stalk that appears singly or in multiples around the eyelids, face, neck, or lips. They are sometimes called facial warts. They may cause itching or bleeding, but are easy to treat with over-the-counter medications.

Flat (plane) warts appear on the face and forehead. They are flesh-colored or white, with a slightly raised, flat surface and they usually appear in multiples. Flat warts are more common among children and teens than adults.

Genital warts appear around the genital and pubic areas. It is also possible to get genital warts inside the vagina and anal canal or in the mouth (known as oral warts). The lesions start small and soft but can become quite large. They often grow in clusters. They are both sexually transmitted and highly contagious. In fact, it is recommended you generally avoid sex with anyone who has a visible genital wart. Genital warts should always be treated by a physician.

Plantar warts appear on the soles of the feet and can be painful since they are on weight-bearing surfaces. They have a rough, cauliflower-like appearance and may have a small black speck in them. They often appear in multiples and may combine into a larger wart called a mosaic wart. Plantar warts can spread rapidly.

Subungual and periungual warts appear as rough growths around the fingernails and/or toenails. They start as nearly undetectable, pin-sized lesions and grow to pea-sized with rough, irregular bumps with uneven borders. Subungual and periungual warts can impede healthy nail growth. Because of their location, they are difficult to treat and generally require medical attention.

Most warts respond to over-the-counter treatments, including:

• Cryotherapy, which freezes off the wart using liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide.
• Electrosurgery, which sends an electric current through the wart to kill the tissue.
• Laser surgery, which essentially heats up the wart until the tissue dies and the wart eventually falls off.
• Nonprescription freezing products (dimethyl ether), aerosol sprays that freeze the warts and cause them to die off.
• Salicylic acid preparations, which dissolve the protein (keratin) that makes up the wart and the thick layer of skin that covers it. It comes in gels, pads, drops, and plasters and takes 4 to 6 weeks to eradicate the warts.

If self-treatments don’t work after a period of about 4 to 12 weeks, contact our dermatologist. We’ll assess your warts and recommend the best option.

Always contact the dermatologist if a wart is causing pain, changes in color or appearance, and for all genital warts.

Skin Growths – What is it – 450Derm

What is that growth on your skin?

Skin growths can occur as you get older while others are from common causes.  A dermatologist can evaluate your new skin growths and determine the best treatment for removal if necessary.   Dermatologists will also identify any signs of pre-cancerous growths or skin cancer.  There are many, many different types of skin growths, both benign and cancerous.  Here are some of the benign skin growths commonly encountered.

Can skin growths be cancerous?

Skin growths that are local and don’t spread to other parts of the body are benign or noncancerous growths.  However, if the skin growths spread from the original location and have abnormalities then you should see your dermatologist.

Types of Skin Growths

• • • • Dermatofibromas: Dermatofibromas are non-cancerous growths typically found on the lower leg, arms, and upper back and may occur following trauma and often insect bites.  Treatment becomes necessary when it becomes tender, painful, or itchy.  They are rarely found with children and can be found more frequently with women.
      • Pyogenic Granulomas: Pyogenic Granulomas are benign blood vessel growths that quickly grow over a few weeks and then look like a red bump about 5-10 mm in diameter.   Sometimes they bleed.  A small percentage of pregnant women develop Pyogenic Granulomas (pregnancy tumor).  Pyogenic granulomas are typically found around the hands, feet, head, neck, lips, gums, and inner mouth.
      • Cysts: Also called sebaceous cysts.  Are expansions of the hair follicle that then fill with keratin (the top layer of the skin) which does not she.  This material can sometimes be foul-smelling.  Although cysts are generally not harmful, they will occasionally rupture causing redness, pain, and drainage.  Cysts must be removed by surgical excision where the entire lining is removed; the contents cannot be aspirated out. 
      • Sebaceous Hyperplasias: Sebaceous Hyperplasias occurs when the sebaceous glands around a hair follicle become enlarged.  They appear as yellowish bumps commonly found on the forehead and nose.  Most commonly found in middle-aged and older individuals it is typically small and painless.  
      • Lipomas: Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body.   It is a lump under the skin that is soft to the touch and may move when pressure is applied.  A lipoma is contained in the overgrowth of fat cells and is a benign growth.  It is common to have multiple lipomas. 
      • Xanthelasmas: Xanthelasmas is a bumpy yellow patch located on the inside corners of your eyelids or around the eye. 
      • Cherry angiomas: Angiomas are benign growths that consist of small blood vessels.  Angiomas can be found anywhere on the body but are most common on the trunk.  Cherry angiomas generally do not need treatment but can be removed with a laser.  
      • Seborrheic Keratoses: Seborrheic Keratoses are growths that look waxy, scaly, velvety, or wart-like.  They are usually slightly raised and appear anywhere on the body but are very common on the head, neck, chest, or back.  Seborrheic Keratosis is a common non-cancerous skin growth that becomes more apparent as you get older.  Seborrheic Keratosis can be removed for cosmetic reasons or because of irritation. 
      • Moles:  Moles are experienced by almost everyone.  Most moles are benign but if your moles become itchy, bleed, rough, or scaly you should see your dermatologist.  A biopsy can be done to evaluate the mole.  Mole removals are also a common practice and can be performed for cosmetic purposes or because of irritation. 
      • Warts: Warts are benign skin growths that can spread by contact.  Warts are typically skin color and rough but can be dark and smooth.  Common wart treatments include cantharidin, cryotherapy, electrosurgery, laser treatment, and immunotherapy. 
      • Toenail Fungus: Toenail Fungus is common and can be received in warm moist locations like the pool or locker room.  Wearing the same shoes day after day in wet conditions or those that make you sweat makes you susceptible.  If you have diabetes, seek medical assistance as-soon-as-possible to avoid developing sores (which don’t heal).

      Skin Growth Treatments

      Since most skin growths are noncancerous medical intervention isn’t necessary.  Cosmetic dermatology treatments are available to remove/treat common skin growths like moles, warts, cysts, etc.  To determine if your skin growth is cancerous visit your dermatologist to identify recommended treatments.   

Benign Skin Lesions, Seborrheic Keratosis and Warts

Seborrheic keratoses are noncancerous skin growths that commonly affect individuals over 50 years of age. While the exact cause of these growths are not known, they do tend to be hereditary. Because of the areas in which they commonly appear, there is some suspicion that ultraviolet light may be a causative factor in their development.

A seborrheic keratosis usually appears as a raised round or oval scaly spot on the face, arms, chest or back. Often, these growths appear two at a time over many years. Typically, a seborrheic keratosis is small, usually with a maximum diameter of under an inch, and looks as if it has been pasted onto the surface of the skin. It may range in color from tan to black.

Seborrheic keratoses do not usually discomfort the patient, although they may sometimes itch. If they are located in an area where clothing rubs against them, they may bleed and even, though rarely, become infected. Usually, a seborrheic keratosis is not painful or bothersome except cosmetically, but many people choose to have such a growth removed for aesthetic reasons.

Treatment of a seborrheic keratosis may include the use of special shampoos, lotions or creams which may reduce redness and scaling. If removal of the growth or growths is desired, there are several methods the physician may employ. These procedures include:

• Cryosurgery, freezing with liquid nitrogen
• Curettage, scraping of the skin’s surface
• Electrocautery, burning off with electric current
• Laser ablation, vaporizing with laser energy

Dermatologists are normally able to diagnose a seborrheic keratosis through simple physical examination, though sometimes a biopsy is necessary to differentiate the growth from a skin cancer. To the eye of a lay person, however, it may be difficult to distinguish a seborrheic keratosis from other skin conditions, so it is always wise for patients to consult with their physician.

Skin Growths

Skin growths are a benign condition that consists of a lump of tissue projecting out from surrounding skin. The most common skin growths are:

Moles: Moles are small skin marks caused by pigment producing cells in the skin. They can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some contain hair. They may occur anywhere on the body. Most are dark brown or black, but some are flesh-colored, red or yellow. They can change in appearance over time. Some can develop into cancer. Benign moles are generally smaller than the size of a pencil eraser.

Warts: Warts are a harmless skin growth caused the human papilloma virus. Warts can be spread to other parts of the body or to other people by contact. Warts are slow growing and range in appearance from papules and plaques to large, flowering cysts with tiny black dots. Warts can grow anywhere on the body. Warts are most common among children and young adults. There are five kinds of warts: 

1. Common warts are rough, shaped like a dome, and gray-brown in color. They appear most often on the hands. 
2. Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet. They look like hard, thick patches of skin with dark specks and may be hidden beneath calluses. Plantar warts may cause pain when you walk. 
3. Flat warts grow on the face, hands, arms or legs. They are normally smaller size of a pencil eraser, have flat tops, and can be pink, light brown or light yellow. 
4. Filiform warts usually grow around the eyes, mouth, nose, or beard area. They are the same color as the skin and have growths that look like fingers or threads sticking out of them. 
5. Periungual warts grow under and around the toenails and fingernails. They look like rough bumps with an uneven surface and border.

Skin tags: Skin tags are projections of smooth or irregular skin, flesh-colored or more deeply pigmented, projecting from surrounding skin, often connected by a narrow stalk to the surrounding skin. They often appear around the eyelids, neck, groin, underarms and under the breasts. They are usually painless, but may become irritated and itch.

Skin Conditions: Types, Causes & Treatment

Overview

What are benign skin lesions (moles, freckles, skin tags, benign lentigines, seborrheic keratosis)?

Several skin lesions are very common and almost always benign (non-cancerous). These conditions include moles, freckles, skin tags, benign lentigines, and seborrheic keratoses. However, moles are the most commonly examined for cancer if changes are detected.

What is a mole?

Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups.

Most moles appear in early childhood and during the first 20 years of a person’s life. Some moles might not appear until later in life. It is normal to have between 10 to 40 moles by adulthood.

As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming raised and lighter in color. Often, hairs develop on the mole. Some moles will not change at all, while others will slowly disappear over time.

What should I look for when examining my moles?

Most moles are benign. The only moles that are of medical concern are those that look different than other existing moles or those that first appear after age 20. If you notice changes in a mole’s color, height, size, or shape, you should have a dermatologist (skin doctor) evaluate it. You also should have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly or become tender or painful.

Examine your skin with a mirror or ask someone to help you. Pay special attention to areas of your skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest, neck, face and ears.

If your moles do not change over time, there is little reason for concern. If you see any signs of change in an existing mole, if you have a new mole, or if you want a mole to be removed for cosmetic reasons, talk to your dermatologist.

The following ABCDEs are important signs of moles that could be cancerous. If a mole displays any of the signs listed below, have it checked immediately by a dermatologist:

• Asymmetry — One half of the mole does not match the other half.
• Border — The border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular.
• Color — The color of the mole is not the same throughout or has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white or red.
• Diameter — The diameter of a mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil.
• Elevation/Evolution — A mole appears elevated, or raised from the skin. Are the moles changing over time?

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. The most common location for melanoma in men is the back; in women, it is the lower leg. Melanoma is the most common cancer in women ages 25 to 29.

Above: Example of cancerous mole.

What are the different types of moles?

Congenital nevi are moles that appear at birth. Congenital nevi occur in about 1 in 100 people. These moles might be more likely to develop into melanoma than are moles that appear after birth. If the mole is more than 8 inches in diameter, it poses more risk of becoming cancerous.

Atypical nevi are moles that are larger than average (larger than a pencil eraser) and irregular in shape. They tend to have uneven color with dark brown centers and lighter, uneven edges. These moles tend to be hereditary. People with atypical nevi might have more than 100 moles and have a greater chance of developing malignant (cancerous) melanoma. Any changes in the mole should be checked by a dermatologist to detect skin cancer.

What happens if your dermatologist is concerned about your mole?

If a dermatologist believes the mole needs to be evaluated further or removed entirely, he or she will first take a biopsy (small tissue sample of the mole) to examine thin sections of the tissue under a microscope. This is a simple procedure. (If the dermatologist thinks the mole might be cancerous, cutting through the mole will not cause the cancer to spread.)

If the mole is found to be cancerous, the dermatologist will remove the entire mole by cutting out the entire mole and a rim of normal skin around it, and stitching the wound closed.

What is a skin tag?

A skin tag is a small flap of tissue that hangs off the skin by a connecting stalk. Skin tags are benign and are not dangerous. They are usually found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts, or in the groin area. Skin tags appear most often in women, especially with weight gain, and in middle-aged and elderly people.

Skin tags usually don’t cause any pain. However, they can become irritated if anything such as clothing or jewelry rubs on them.

Image of a skin tag.

What is a lentigo?

A lentigo (plural: lentigines) is a spot on the skin that is darker (usually brown) than the surrounding skin. Lentigines are more common among Caucasian patients, especially those with fair skin, but can occur in anyone.

What are freckles?

Freckles are small brown spots usually found on the face and arms. Freckles are extremely common and are not a health threat. They are more often seen in the summer, especially among lighter-skinned people and people with light or red hair. However, freckles can occur in anyone, and appear as darker brown spots in people with darker skin. Both men and women get freckles at an equal rate.

What are seborrheic keratoses?

Seborrheic keratoses are brown or black growths usually found on the chest and back, as well as on the head. They originate from cells called keratinocytes. As they develop, seborrheic keratoses take on a warty appearance.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes moles?

Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. These cells are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Moles might darken after exposure to the sun, during the teen years, and during pregnancy.

What are the causes of lentigines?

Exposure to the sun seems to be the major cause of lentigines. Lentigines most often appear on parts of the body that get the most sun, including the face and hands. Some lentigines might be caused by genetics (family history) or by medical procedures such as radiation therapy.

Above: Image of lentigines.

What causes freckles?

Causes of freckles include genetics, diseases (such as xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare disease that causes an increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light, such as the sun), and exposure to the sun.

Above: Image of freckles.

What causes seborrheic keratoses?

The cause of seborrheic keratoses is unknown. They are seen more often as people get older. They do not lead to skin cancer.

Above: Image of seborrheic keratoses.

Management and Treatment

How are moles treated?

If a dermatologist believes the mole needs to be evaluated further or removed entirely, he or she will first take a biopsy (small tissue sample of the mole) to examine thin sections of the tissue under a microscope. This is a simple procedure. (If the dermatologist thinks the mole might be cancerous, cutting through the mole will not cause the cancer to spread.)

If the mole is found to be cancerous, the dermatologist will remove the entire mole by cutting out the entire mole and a rim of normal skin around it, and stitching the wound closed.

How are skin tags treated?

Your dermatologist can remove a skin tag by cutting it off with a scalpel or scissors, with cryotherapy (freezing it off), or with electrosurgery (burning with an electric current).

How are lentigines treated?

There are several methods for treating lentigines:

• Cryotherapy (freezing it off)
• Laser surgery
• Creams that are applied to the skin (these include retinoids and bleaching agents)

What is the treatment for freckles?

Since freckles are almost always harmless, there really is no need to treat them. As with many skin conditions, it’s best to avoid the sun as much as possible, or use a sunscreen. This is especially important because people who freckle easily (such as lighter-skinned people) are more likely to develop skin cancer.

If you feel that your freckles are a problem or you don’t like the way they look, you can cover them up with makeup.

How are seborrheic keratoses treated?

Seborrheic keratoses are benign and are not contagious. Therefore, they don’t need to be treated.

If you decide to have seborrheic keratoses removed because you don’t like the way they look, or because they are chronically irritated by clothing, methods for removing them include cutting them off, cryotherapy, and electrosurgery.

Prevention

Can lentigines be prevented?

The best way to prevent lentigines is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Use sunscreen when outdoors, and avoid using a tanning bed to get a suntan.

Can seborrheic keratoses be prevented?

Seborrheic keratoses can’t be prevented.

Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Seborrheic keratosis is a dermatologic condition characterized by wart-like growths that may appear anywhere on the skin except for the palms and soles. Growths can vary in appearance but are typically:

• Light tan to dark brown
• Round,
• Waxy or warty
• Have a stuck-on-the-skin appearance

While they’re harmless, some people seek treatment for aesthetic purposes and because the growths can become irritated or get caught on clothes and jewelry.

Seborrheic keratoses develop in a type of skin cell called a keratinocyte on the outermost layer of skin (epidermis). While most dermatologists can diagnose them by appearance alone, they may perform a skin biopsy to rule out worrisome conditions like skin cancer.

Some call seborrheic keratosis growths “the barnacles of aging,” as they’re most common after age 50.

Symptoms of Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is a noncancerous skin growth that has the following typical characteristics:

• Rests flat against the skin or is raised
• Starts off as a small, round bump that then thickens and develops a waxy or wart-like appearance (although in some cases, the surface is smooth)
• Usually brown but may also be white, black, yellow, or grey
• Develops anywhere on the skin (e.g., chest, back, face, and neck), but not on the palms and soles
• Appears on its own or within groups
• Ranges in size from a pinpoint to over an inch in diameter

 DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND

DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND

Because only the top skin layer is involved, seborrheic keratosis often has a “pasted-on” appearance, similar to a barnacle. The number of growths typically increases as you age.

Seborrheic keratoses are not painful but may itch, especially as you get older. If scratched or picked at, the growths can become irritated.

Presence of Other Symptoms

While seborrheic keratosis is considered a benign skin condition, in rare cases, skin cancer (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma) can arise from cells that are contained within a seborrheic keratosis.

Research suggests that people with a suppressed immune system may have an increased risk of this phenomenon, which is called a malignant or cancerous transformation of a seborrheic keratosis.

This is why careful observation of these growths by a dermatologist is important, especially if atypical signs are present, such as:

• Ulceration (sores)
• Excoriations (scratch marks)
• Redness
• Bleeding on or around seborrheic keratoses

Causes

The precise cause of seborrheic keratosis remains unknown. Experts believe genes play a role, as these growths tend to run in families. Other factors that may increase your chances of developing them include:

• Sunlight exposure
• Chronic friction (such as inside skin folds)
• Exposure to viruses, specifically the human papillomavirus (HPV), although this theory has lost a lot of favor over the years

Diagnosis

A dermatologist can usually diagnose seborrheic keratosis simply by its outright appearance or by using a lighted instrument called a dermatoscope.

However, in some instances, if the growth looks suspicious for skin cancer or there’s any doubt about what they are, a skin biopsy can confirm a diagnosis.

Seborrheic keratosis can be mistaken for:

Viral warts on hand.

DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND

Actinic keratosis.

DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND

The different types of skin biopsies that may be performed include:

• Shave biopsy: The lesion is shaved to remove a tissue sample.
• Punch biopsy: A hole-punch-type device removes a narrow cylinder of tissue.
• Excisional biopsy: The entire lesion is removed with a scalpel.

A pathologist then examines the skin samples under a microscope. If they find cancer cells, you’ll need additional testing to determine the stage of the cancer, which will guide treatment.

Treatment

Seborrheic keratosis doesn’t typically need treatment unless you consider it cosmetically undesirable, it’s uncomfortably itchy, or it’s easily irritated.

The good news is that there are several different treatment options available:

• Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen: The growth is frozen off with liquid nitrogen (an extremely cold liquid)
• Shave excision: It’s removed with a sterile razor
• Curettage: It’s scooped out with an instrument called a curette
• Electrocautery: The tissue is burned with an electrical current
• Chemical peel: A solution such as trichloroacetic acid causes the growth to slough off
• Ablative laser treatment: A laser removes the layer of skin

Research suggests that laser therapy is a better alternative than cryotherapy, as it’s less likely to cause hyperpigmentation (when removal of the growth causes darkening of the skin).

A Word From Verywell

Seborrheic keratosis can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from skin cancer, especially when it first appears. It’s important to not make assumptions about any new spots, patches, or growths that develop on your skin. Be proactive and see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

90,000 What is skin growth and how to remove it?

Leather.

Human protective barrier.

And the largest organ in the human body.

Therefore, numerous neoplasms, both harmless and deadly, easily find their place on it. How to protect yourself and identify danger in time?

See a doctor for a check-up.

However, not everyone is able to regularly visit a doctor who will check the surface of the skin.So you need to inspect it yourself.

Yes, you are unlikely to be able to understand difficult cases, but some signs of impending problems can be easily discerned even by a person without medical education.

Especially with the help of our article.

First, let’s define what neoplasms on the skin are. They are often called moles. Many people put an equal sign between moles and cancer.

This is not the case.

Healthy skin lives as usual: it grows, divides, dies.But not always. Sometimes skin cells multiply uncontrollably and do not perform their functions. This is how moles appear.

Doctors have not yet figured out the exact reason for the appearance of moles. Commonly believed what causes them:

• Genetic predisposition
• Ultraviolet and X-ray radiation
• Skin diseases
• Injury
• Exposure to chemicals

While scientists can not prevent the formation of moles, and ordinary people are left to closely monitor their changes.

Including, it is important to know the places of their appearance.

Where neoplasms occur most often

Moles appear on various areas of the skin. That is why people sometimes do not notice when they show signs of rebirth. They just don’t see them.

For example, back skin neoplasm. It can go unnoticed for a very long time. And it is good if this is a benign formation, and it does not need to be urgently shown to a doctor.

Unnoticed dangerous moles do not forgive such mistakes.They grow with impunity and penetrate into neighboring organs.

A benign growth on the face is usually immediately evident and causes concern. Even when a person knows about the safety of a mole, it still interferes. As a cosmetic issue.

It is not necessary to remove such a mole, but if you wish, you can.

In order to timely identify benign and malignant neoplasms, it is important to examine the entire surface of the skin. Not just face or hands. Use a mirror to check for moles on your back.They can also appear between the toes and on the feet, so every hidden corner of the skin needs to be examined.

Of course, inspection alone will do nothing. It is only useful for people who understand the difference between dangerous and harmless moles and distinguish between the signs of rebirth.

For example, when checking moles, melanoma can be detected.

Indicates cancer:

• Asymmetry

The halves of the birthmark are not alike.

• Rough edges

Normal moles usually have clear boundaries, but jagged edges can be a sign of rebirth.

• Multi-colored paint

The mole has areas of different colors.

• Large size

Possible malignant formations larger than the diameter of the pencil.

The shape, size and color of a mole is constantly changing.

Also, doctors recommend paying attention to moles that itch and bleed. All of these signs do not guarantee skin cancer, but we recommend that you show them to your doctor as soon as possible. A simple precaution. However, it can save your life.

And it is also useful for health to know the types of formations and what are their differences.

Classification of skin neoplasms

Skin lesions differ in many ways. Therefore, there are several classifications at once.For example, doctors divide them according to the type of cells affected – soft tissue or melanocytes.

The most universal classification of skin neoplasms is the division according to clinical manifestations. Doctors distinguish three groups:

• Benign
• Malignant
• Precancerous

Most of the formations are included in the first two groups. We will talk about them in detail later, and now we will discuss precancerous moles.

What kind of skin lesions are they?

Usually, precancerous moles turn into cancer if left untreated.In rare cases, they disappear. As you can see, they can be both harmless and dangerous. But if possible, it is better to treat them, because it is easier to immediately get rid of the risk of cancer than to hope for self-destruction of the mole.

Sometimes doctors cannot determine the type of birthmark during the examination. So they do a dermatoscopy. This is the name of a study, when a doctor examines your education using a special apparatus – a dermatoscope. This is the simplest way to detect the malignant properties of a mole.

Benign skin neoplasms

This group includes non-hazardous moles that can cause some discomfort.Their appearance is like a sudden visit from people with whom you do not want to communicate. Unpleasant, but not fatal.

Benign neoplasms always remain at the site of origin and do not spread to other parts of the body. They can only damage adjacent tissues.

Unfortunately, there are some exceptions.

Some benign formations on the skin are reborn into malignant ones. The risk is very small. However, this danger must be remembered. If a harmless mole suddenly changes, then you need to show it to a doctor.

Major benign skin neoplasms:

Also known as nevi and age spots. They are congenital or acquired. Moles vary in color, size, shape and surface texture, and their number often exceeds several dozen.

Nevi are potentially dangerous because they can turn into one of the types of cancer – melanoma. But this rarely happens.

It is usually not necessary to remove moles. Doctors recommend eliminating only those that are modified or injured.

• Warts and papillomas

Neoplasms similar to a nodule or papilla. They appear due to HPV – the human papillomavirus, which causes the growth of formations at the sites of infection. For example, next to damaged skin.

Warts and papillomas often appear during stress or decreased immunity. And groups of neoplasms often grow.

Since papillomas and warts are only an external manifestation of the virus, it is impossible to completely eliminate them.There is always a risk of new formations appearing.

Neoplasms on the skin or mucous membranes. Occur due to genital infections. Mostly found in the groin and near the anus.

These formations most often form after blockage of the sebaceous gland. They are mainly found on the head, neck, back and groin – that is, in the places of the highest concentration of the sebaceous glands.

In the normal state, neoplasms are dense and with clear boundaries. With inflammation, redness, swelling and fever occur.Atheromas sometimes break through. Rarely develop into malignant liposarcoma.

The tumor grows in the fatty layer, and doctors often call it a wen. Sometimes it penetrates deep into the body, up to the periosteum. It seeps around the muscles.

Grows mainly on the shoulders, hips and upper back. Lipoma looks like a soft, mobile growth. It can be touched painlessly.

This neoplasm grows slowly and does not cause any inconvenience, but the largest formations sometimes press on adjacent tissues.Doctors recommend removing them. Removing small lipomas is easy. But after the elimination of large neoplasms, noticeable scars remain.

Vascular formation that appears at birth or during life. Usually has a pink-red or purple-bluish color. Sometimes it grows to a large size. In such cases, deletion is recommended.

• Dermatofibroma

Small, dense lump in connective tissue. The formation can have a different color, from pink to brown.

Most often, the neoplasm occurs on the arms and legs. Especially in the lower half of the legs. It occurs due to skin damage such as insect bites.

Dermatofibroma is especially common in women.

In most cases, the formation does not have to be removed, since it does not cause inconvenience, but when discomfort appears, doctors prescribe an operation.

• Seborrheic keratomas

Brown or black formations with a waxy or velvety surface.Available in different sizes. Many keratomas look like warts.

Usually grows on shoulders, chest, face and back.

Mostly found in middle-aged and older people, but in young people it is extremely rare.

As a rule, benign skin growths do not need to be removed. Just follow them and regularly check for changes – so you will notice the birth of a dangerous mole in time. But malignant formations cannot be spared. Otherwise they will destroy you.

Malignant neoplasms on the skin

Unlike benign lesions, these moles grow all the time and often penetrate into other organs.Even far from the place of appearance. That is, a malignant neoplasm on the skin can cause cancer to grow on the other side of the body.

Cancers vary greatly in terms of hazard level. Some grow slowly, which gives enough time to heal. However, there are forms of cancer that spread very quickly and when the disease progresses to the last stages, it is extremely difficult to cure it.

Types of malignant neoplasms of the skin:

A dangerous mole of this type occurs on the skin more often than others.Millions of new cases of basal cell carcinoma are diagnosed each year.

It grows slowly. It gradually penetrates into healthy tissues and destroys them, but almost never spreads to neighboring organs.

There are several types of basal cell carcinoma, which differ in appearance, but usually a mole looks like a pink spot or a convex mole with clear edges and a non-healing center. Size – up to two centimeters.

• Squamous cell skin cancer

Education appears in the upper layer of the skin and gradually penetrates deeper.It grows on any part of the body. Most often occurs on areas of the skin exposed to the sun.

It looks like a hard red knot or a flat, crusty wound.

The neoplasm is growing slowly. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually not life-threatening, but without treatment it will inevitably spread to other organs.

A rare type of skin cancer, but the most dangerous. Melanoma grows very quickly and therefore it is extremely important to detect it in time to fight it.

This mole can appear on any part of the body. On clean skin or a mole. Cancer grows even in areas that have never been exposed to sunlight. So you have to look for its manifestations all over the body.

Melanoma has several characteristic features: a brown spot with dark specks, a mole with discolored skin or bleeding, painful, inflamed lesions on the skin.

Education is never limited to the place of origin. It is always spreading.Including – on the internal organs. Skin cancer metastases may not be visible from the outside, but they gradually kill the body.

• Merkel carcinoma

Formation is due to the uncontrolled growth of skin cells known as Merkel cells. In most cases, cancer appears as a single red or purple bump. It grows on the face, neck and arms.

Merkel’s carcinoma is a rare type of cancer. It is mainly diagnosed in people over 70 years old.

The formation spreads beyond the site of origin and is capable of affecting the lymph nodes, lungs and brain.

• Kaposi’s sarcoma

A malignant vascular mole that appears near the nose, mouth and genitals. Sometimes it grows on internal organs.

A neoplasm affects skin cells due to infection with the herpes simplex virus type 8. This is often associated with immune suppression.

There are several types of Kaposi’s sarcoma.The classic form occurs in people over 60 years of age and is usually not life-threatening, since it develops slowly and rarely affects internal organs. Epidemic Kaposi’s sarcoma is associated with AIDS and acts more aggressively – it penetrates the lymph nodes, mucous membranes and the gastrointestinal tract.

The formation manifests itself as red, pink and purple spots on the skin. Sometimes they merge.

This is the name of cancer that affects the lymph nodes. A neoplasm can occur in any part of the body where there is a lymphatic system.

On the skin, the formation appears due to mutation of lymphocytes. These blood cells begin to divide uncontrollably and gradually penetrate the skin. The lymph nodes are enlarged.

The danger of a malignant neoplasm depends on its stage and type – some forms of lymphoma are easier to remove. But even with treatment, the disease is often fatal.

As you can see, the dangers of skin cancer cannot be underestimated – this mistake will easily become your last mistake.

To effectively fight malignant formations, it is extremely important to detect them in time.Self-examination is not enough for this. Need help from a specialist.

Which doctor to go to with skin problems

Diseases of the skin, hair and nails are treated by a dermatologist. This doctor diagnoses and treats over 3,000 medical problems, including eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer.

If necessary, after the diagnosis, the dermatologist will refer you to another specialist. For example, to the oncologist.

When to go for an inspection?

Be sure to show your doctor about skin neoplasms in the following cases:

• During annual inspection
• In case of damage to formations
• When moles change

Please take your inspection seriously.Yes, malignant neoplasms rarely appear, but you should not count on luck all the time. Otherwise, one day a dangerous mole will appear on the body. It will spread inside the body and affect many organs because treatment is too late.

But checking moles does not take much time. The doctor will need 30 minutes. During this period, he will examine the surface of the skin and mark those that require special attention. Half an hour is not too high a price to pay for the timely detection of malignant tumors.

Sometimes a simple inspection is not enough. Dangerous moles at an early stage are not very different from benign neoplasms. Therefore, doctors check suspicious moles with a dermatoscope.

Dermatoscopy of skin neoplasms

For a long time, visual inspection remained the only method for detecting dangerous moles. So doctors were often wrong. Removal of harmless neoplasms was prescribed and malignant ones were overlooked.

Since then, diagnostic methods have improved.

Dermatoscopy of skin neoplasms is increasingly being performed. This is the name of the procedure using a dermatoscope, which enlarges the image of the mole and helps the doctor identify early signs of degeneration. The device has a magnification of 10 or more times.

Diagnostics of skin neoplasms with new equipment significantly reduces the examination time. But the quality of checking moles is increasing.

Of course, doctors do not examine all lesions with a dermatoscope – this is not necessary.Some moles only:

• Undefined type
• Precancerous
• Damaged

Such moles are checked first. Yes, not all of them will necessarily turn into cancerous tissue, but even light bleeding from a mole can create many problems.

After dermatoscopy of problem moles, doctors determine the need for therapy and select the appropriate method.

Treatment of skin neoplasms

Let us repeat – it is imperative to eliminate only malignant formations.They are all dangerous. Even basal cell carcinoma that spreads very slowly.

Benign growths do not always need to be removed. Sometimes these moles are harmless. In other cases, they are deadly. It is important to understand which category your moles belong to and choose the best course of action.

Treatment of skin neoplasms is necessary under different circumstances. Occasionally they cause discomfort. For example, rubbing against clothing. Or they often get damaged, bleed and hurt.

It is also important to remember about the possibility of converting benign moles into malignant ones.Not all of them degenerate into cancer. But it is still necessary to monitor this small group of neoplasms.

The method of treatment must be chosen by the doctor. Now there are many ways to eliminate benign and malignant moles. You can remove harmless moles at any time. Skin cancer – as soon as possible. Timely treatment is especially important for people with melanoma, as this type of cancer develops very quickly. Usually, doctors immediately offer the patient the methods of therapy after the discovery of the formation.

Removal of skin neoplasms

The method of treatment is associated with the characteristics of moles. The doctor chooses the operation depending on them:

• Size
• Type
• Depth
• Locations

All these factors are very important, because some methods effectively eliminate some moles, but poorly treat others. Fortunately, there are many therapy options. Therefore, it is not difficult to choose a suitable procedure for neoplasms.

Operations available for patients:

The doctor treats the mole with liquid nitrogen. It freezes, its tissues die off, and then it just falls off. This method works well against small benign lesions.

• Excision operation

The surgeon cuts off the mole and a small layer of healthy tissue around it with a scalpel. This prevents relapse. This procedure is effective against all types of cancers.

• Mohs operation

A more advanced version of excisional therapy – the doctor almost does not cut off healthy tissue, but completely eliminates the cancerous formation. Therefore, the damage to the body is minimal.

First, the doctor cuts out the bulk of the formation, and then scrapes off the remnants of malignant cells with a curette. This is a special device with a round blade. The operation is effective against squamous and basal cell carcinomas.

• Radiation therapy

The doctor destroys the cells of formation with X-rays.This method is actively used in cases where the neoplasm cannot be removed surgically.

Special chemicals in the form of creams or lotions are used to kill cancer cells. Sometimes this is not enough. Cancer with metastases to the internal organs is treated with chemotherapy in other forms.

• Photodynamic therapy

The doctor introduces special light-sensitive substances into the patient’s body, which accumulate in the tissues of the formation.The neoplasm is irradiated with light with a special wavelength. This destroys the malignant cells.

• Biological therapy

The patient is given drugs to enhance the immune system. The body fights cancer more effectively.

• Laser therapy

The doctor burns the birthmark with a powerful beam of light. A small wound remains on the skin. It is covered with a protective crust, which falls off after a week.Young skin remains. Most benign neoplasms can be eliminated with a laser.

Unfortunately, there is no universal effective method against malignant tumors. In some cases, doctors combine several therapy options. Or they change methods.

When removing neoplasms on the skin, it is important not only how they are eliminated, but also where the procedure is performed.

We suggest contacting the Lazersvit clinic.

We employ dermatologists of the first and the highest category with over 17 years of experience.They examined over 100,000 patients. That is, they know how to quickly identify dangerous moles. Our doctors use the Delta 20 T dermatoscope, which magnifies the image of the formations 16 times.

Come to Lazersvit – go through the examination in 30 minutes or remove a mole with a laser in two minutes.

Examination and removal will be carried out by the country’s leading dermatologists

They completed training abroad and examined more than 50,000 patients

Ladygina Evgeniya Igorevna

Doctor dermatologist

Specialty:
Has specialties of dermatologist and dermatovenerologist.

Work experience:
3 years

Education:
Graduated from V.N.Karazin Kharkiv National University in 2018.

Disease Treatment:
Dermatoscopy. Diagnosis of skin neoplasms. Laser removal of moles, warts, warts and papillomas.Elimination of tattoos, age spots.

Belskaya Elena Alexandrovna

Chief Physician. Dermatologist

Specialty:
General medicine.

Work experience:
17 years.

Education:
Kharkov State Medical University 2003

Disease Treatment:
D Treats chronic skin diseases: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema. Fights skin infections – pyoderma, fungal diseases.Removes permanent makeup, tattoos. Reveals and treats skin neoplasms: warts, condylomas, hemangiomas, moles.

Krasiy Irina Nikolaevna

First category dermatologist.

Specialty:
General medicine.

Work experience:
17 years.

Education:
Kharkiv State Medical University 2003

Disease Treatment:
Diagnostics, treatment and removal of skin neoplasms (warts, papillomas, condylomas, moles, contagious molluscs, hemangiomas, vascular networks, pigmentation), treatment of chronic skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis), skin infections (pyoderma, fungal diseases), removal tattoos, permanent make-up.

Bidnichenko Natalia Levonovna

Doctor dermatologist of the highest category

Specialty:
Dermatology.

Work experience:
15 years.

Education:
Odessa State Medical University 2003

Disease Treatment:
Treats skin diseases – psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. Helps get rid of pyoderma and other skin infections. Identifies dangerous neoplasms and removes them. Checks papillomas, moles, hemangiomas, keratomas, fibromas, condylomas, spider webs.

Biyukova-Polshakova Irina Lazarevna

Second category dermatologist

Specialty:
Dermatology, Trichology, Clinical Psychology.

Work experience:
11 years.

Education:
Bukovina Medical University 2007
Odessa National Medical University 2012

Disease Treatment:
Specializes in the elimination of psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.Diagnoses and treats skin infections such as pyoderma. Identifies dangerous neoplasms and selects methods for their removal.

90,000 Skin growths. Description and photo of neoplasms.

Skin neoplasms are the result of intensive division of epidermal cells and are benign and malignant in nature, capable of developing into skin cancer.
Moles, papillomas, nevi and many other skin growths are present on the skin of the vast majority of people.

Some growths do not pose a threat to health, but there are also those that, under the influence of negative factors, change and develop into malignant tumors. In order not to miss the moment when a harmless mole begins to transform into skin cancer, it is necessary to independently monitor the condition of all skin growths and undergo regular medical examinations.

Types of skin growths

All neoplasms developing from skin cells are classified into:

1. Benign, not posing a serious threat, but capable of delivering physical and mental discomfort when widely localized or located on areas of the body not covered by clothing.

2. Malignant, which is essentially a cancerous tumor. These growths grow rapidly, affect the deep layers of the dermis and spread metastases throughout the body.

3. Borderline, potentially capable of transforming into a malignant form.

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Let’s consider the features of these skin growths in more detail

Benign:

1. Atheroma

It is formed during the blockage of the sebaceous gland and looks like a thickened “ball” rising above the skin, which does not cause discomfort. Atheromas can form on any part of the body, including in the genital area; neoplasm can be either single or multiple.In case of suppuration and inflammation, the atheroma can be removed by surgical excision or laser.

If the work of the ducts of the sebaceous glands is seriously disturbed, then without special treatment of the underlying problem, they will be re-clogged and, as a result, atheromas will appear again and again, usually in the same place.

2. Hemangioma

Vascular neoplasm, which can be localized both in the upper and deep layers of the skin, as well as internal organs and affect the vascular network.Has a burgundy or bluish-black shade, can reach large sizes. For treatment, laser removal of hemangiomas, sclerotherapy or a surgical method is used.

Hemangiomas are most often found on the body, but sometimes they can develop on the scalp, face, neck, upper and lower extremities. The neoplasm itself is not dangerous, but it is very easy to injure it. Hemangioma injuries are accompanied by profuse bleeding.

3. Lymphangioma

This type of tumor develops on the vessels of the lymphatic system, is characterized by slow growth.The disease occurs even during the intrauterine development of the fetus. Under the influence of unfavorable factors, the neoplasm, as a rule, increases significantly in size, which becomes an indication for its surgical removal.

Lymphangioma mainly affects children and is easily diagnosed during the first year of a child’s life. The tumor itself is not dangerous, but its tendency to spontaneous and almost instantaneous growth can harm the internal organs of the child and even threaten his life.

4. Lipoma

Lipoma or wen is a benign tumor that develops under the skin from adipose tissue cells. A neoplasm can occur on almost any part of the body where, in one way or another, subcutaneous fat is present. The neoplasm is felt under the skin as a small movable lump; the tumor is absolutely painless.

Lipomas can be single or multiple. The tumor is prone to overgrowth. And, despite its good quality, it gives the patient aesthetic and, often, physical discomfort.That is why it is advisable to carry out lipoma removal using modern methods. You can learn more about lipomas in the article “Lipoma or wen: what is it?”

5. Papillomas and warts

Warts and papillomas are benign neoplasms that develop from epithelial tissue. They have a similar viral origin, but different places of formation and development. The reason for the appearance of papillomas and warts is the very widespread human papillomavirus (HPV) in the world.

Neoplasms are usually painless. Outwardly, they are small (up to several millimeters) horny outgrowths on the skin. The appearance of warts and papillomas rather signals a weakened immune system, and the combination of antiviral therapy with correction of the immune system leads to a complete elimination of neoplasms. Today, the most effective method of treatment is laser coagulation, learn more about removing papillomas and removing warts with this method.

Detailed information on papillomas can be found here, and on warts here.

6. Nevi and moles
Nevi and moles are formed from melanocytes – cells containing the main coloring pigment of the body. As a rule, most of these neoplasms are not hazardous to health. However, their size and location can cause some discomfort, especially if they are located on the face or exposed parts of the body.

7. Fibroma
Fibroma is a benign neoplasm that develops from connective tissue cells.The tumor has the form of spherical nodules protruding above the skin with a smooth or warty surface. The color of fibroids can be bluish-black, gray, brown. More detailed information on fibromas can be obtained in the article “Skin fibroma. Description, symptoms, consequences. Laser removal”.

The neoplasm grows slowly, usually without causing much discomfort to the patient. Often, fibroma does not pose a threat to life, however, when exposed to unfavorable external factors, as well as various carcinogens, it can develop into a malignant form – fibrosarcoma.The safest and most effective method for removing fibroids is laser therapy.

8. Neurofibroma
Neurofibroma is a benign neoplasm that develops from nerve cells. Most often, the tumor is located under the skin, in the area of ​​subcutaneous fat. However, in some cases, it can also affect soft tissues, as well as the roots of the spinal cord.

The neoplasm looks like a dense tubercle with a pigmented surface. It can take on a multiple form and in this case requires treatment with medication or surgical methods.

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Malignant:

1. Melanoma
Melanoma is a malignant skin neoplasm; one of the types of skin cancer. Melanoma is often the result of malignancy of some moles and pigmented nevi. You can learn more about melanoma in our article “Skin cancer: melanoma.”

The disease is very aggressive. The tumor not only grows rapidly, but also metastases to almost all internal organs, including the brain.Of all the cancers known today, melanoma is one of the deadliest. The survival rate of patients with melanoma is very low.

2. Basalioma
Basalioma develops from the cells of the basal layer of the epidermis; the neoplasm belongs to one of the types of skin cancer. The tumor is a nodular formation that, as it progresses, turns into mushroom-like growths or ulcers. More information about basal cell carcinoma can be found in the corresponding article “Basal cell carcinoma.Skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma. “.

Basalioma is localized mainly on the face: cheeks, wings of the nose, lower eyelid may be affected. Of all the existing types of cancer, this pathology is considered the least dangerous, since it does not give metastases to other organs. With timely and correct treatment, the tumor is completely destroyed.

3. Sarcoma Galoshi
Multiple skin cancers; spots of dark color, which, as they grow, merge into large areas of damage.The disease is often diagnosed in patients with HIV infection and has extensive statistics of deaths.

The tumor most often affects the feet, legs and hands. Since Kaloshi’s sarcoma is only a consequence of more serious internal diseases, its treatment is aimed solely at reducing symptoms.

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Precancerous:

1. Bowen’s disease
At the initial stage, the tumor is localized in the upper layers of the epidermis, but without treatment it develops into invasive skin cancer and starts metastases.It looks like brownish plaques with a scaly surface, under which a section of weeping epidermis is hidden.

As a rule, the tumor develops in men over 40 years old under the influence of various carcinogens. The genitals are mainly affected, as well as the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Treatment of the disease is usually local, and with extensive lesions, surgical intervention is also possible.

2. Pigment xeroderma
An extremely rare disease arising from age spots in people who are hypersensitive to ultraviolet radiation.In the early stages, it is treated with medication, in the later stages – surgically.

The main factor for the development of this disease is heredity. As a rule, the patient’s predisposition to such formations is noticeable already in childhood.

3. Senile keratoma
It looks like a skin rash, consisting of spots covered with scales. The malignant form is characterized by the formation of seals in the affected areas. Detailed information about keratomas can be found in our article “Keratoma.Description of the pathology. Types of keratomas “.

Senile keratoma usually occurs in older people. The likelihood of malignancy of this pathology is very high. As a rule, keratoma easily degenerates into squamous cell skin cancer. Modern technologies make it easy and quick to remove a keratoma using a laser.

4. Cutaneous horn
Proliferation of epidermal cells, forming a cone-shaped eminence with a multilayer scaly structure. It is most often diagnosed in elderly people and, without appropriate treatment, tends to go into a malignant form.The cutaneous horn is removed by surgery or laser coagulation.

Sign up for laser removal of neoplasms

In order to minimize the likelihood of a malignant tumor, experts recommend getting rid of all fearful growths on the skin. The most effective method is laser removal of neoplasms, in which the tumor is completely eliminated in one session without the formation of scars and scars. This technique is one of the most sterile, bloodless and painless and has a minimum of contraindications.

what is the difference and how not to confuse them

Warts, as well as papillomas and genital warts, are the most common manifestations of the human papillomavirus. The general nature of these neoplasms determines their numerous common features. For example, both warts and papillomas can disappear and appear depending on the state of the human body, on its immunity. However, there are also a lot of differences … However, in order to talk about the differences and general features of warts and papillomas, you need to clearly understand what exactly it is about.

Warts: What You Need to Know

Warts are benign skin neoplasms that can reach 2 to 10 mm in diameter. Warts are characterized by an uneven surface and clear boundaries, they can have an irregular or rounded shape and color, from light gray to brown or even grayish black.

Localization of warts is most often observed in places prone to mechanical injury: it can be elbows, knees, fingers, scalp, however, warts often appear on other parts of the body.

Warts can be transmitted in the household through contact with an infected person.

Conventionally, the whole variety of varieties of warts can be divided into three groups:

• simple warts. This group includes about 70% of all warts;
• plantar warts. Slightly less than 30% of the total number of warts. The risk group includes adolescents and young people;
• flat warts. The smallest category: occurs in 4% of cases.

Papillomas: what you need to know

Papillomas are represented by benign soft formations of a rounded shape. As a rule, they have a wide base or stem, and are light brown or flesh-colored. As for the size of papillomas, it can vary within a fairly wide range: from 0.2 to 10 mm.

As in the case of any other viral skin lesions, over time the number of papillomas on the body increases, they affect an increasing area of ​​the skin.The main “habitat” is the armpits, groin, face or neck.

People with weakened immune systems are at risk. Usually, papillomas appear after suffering from acute gastrointestinal diseases, after prolonged use of medications, after stress, and so on.

As for the routes of infection, the highest risk of infection is observed in places with high humidity, and human skin is not protected by clothing: we can talk about swimming pools, baths, saunas, and so on.

Differences between warts and papillomas

1. Location. Warts often appear on the arms and legs, while papillomas often choose “secluded places”: the genitals, the area under the breast in women, armpits.

2. Visually, it can be difficult to distinguish a wart from a papilloma. A distinctive feature of papillomas are legs or wide bases, that is, if we are talking about bulges hanging on the legs, similar to warts, then most likely these are papillomas.In addition, the surface and edges of the papilloma are torn and rough, visually similar to a mini-head of cauliflower. As for the wart, it has clear boundaries.

If on your own you cannot distinguish a wart from a papilloma, if you are not sure of your opinion, you should consult a specialist. But often even a professional is not able to visually determine what type of human papillomavirus is in question.

In order to accurately determine the diagnosis, the patient must pass tests to determine the type of virus.Usually, the PCR method is used, the classical DNA diagnosis of the human papillomavirus, more details about it in the article “Human papillomavirus”.

In addition to the PCR method, other diagnostic methods for determining the human papillomavirus can also be used, including biopsy and colposcopic examination (if the neoplasm is localized in the vaginal area).

Biopsy, which is a sampling of tissues of the affected organ for their study. Today, biopsy is the most common and accurate research method: it must be performed without fail if there is a suspicion of papilloma, since in this case it is necessary to exclude the risk of oncology.

HPV diagnostics implies the possibility of histological and cytological studies. The main one is a cytological study, which allows you to determine under a microscope changes in cells under the influence of a viral infection.

To clarify the diagnosis, a histological examination is carried out, in which the subject of research is not the scraping of surface cells (as for cytological examination), but a piece of the affected tissue.

As a conclusion, I would like to say: even if you think that you have made up your mind and you know for sure whether a wart or papilloma has appeared on your body, it is better to consult a specialist, since the human papillomavirus is represented not only by these two types of neoplasms, but also by dozens , hundreds of other species, many of which are oncogenic.Read more about various neoplasms on the body in the article “Skin growths: benign, malignant and borderline”. To exclude the risk of developing a malignant tumor, it is enough to consult a doctor in time and pass the necessary tests.

Removal of neoplasms in Lasmed Clinic

90,000 Skin fibroma. Description, symptoms, consequences. Removal by laser

If a nodule of flesh or yellowish color appears on the face, body, oral mucosa or genitals, it may be a skin fibroma.Do not panic: fibroma most often is not malignant and rarely develops into cancer. However, this disease must be treated, as neoplasms can grow up to 10-20 centimeters in diameter.
Fibroma can appear on organs, include muscle and connective tissues, blood vessels.

If a mass appears under the skin, it is called skin fibroma.
Despite its benign quality, fibroma can be both localized and diffuse.Localized is limited by the size of the capsule, the capsule itself grows extremely slowly, therefore, such a neoplasm does not harm health. Diffuse does not have a capsule and grows into surrounding tissues and organs.

Symptoms of fibroma

Fibroma is detected by visual inspection. Outwardly, it may look like a wart or mole without pigmentation. The main distinguishing features include:

1. 1. Flesh or light yellow tint;
2. 2.Nodular shape, thin or thick leg;
3. 3. Loose or dense structure.

Fibroids have many varieties and manifestations, so it is difficult to distinguish them from other types of skin diseases.

Reasons for the appearance of

Fibroma is not infectious, unlike other neoplasms. It is enough to remove it only once – there will be no relapses. Scientists have not been able to identify the exact reasons for the appearance of these formations. At the moment, it is believed that they arise due to a genetic predisposition, or due to age-related changes in skin cells.

Most often, neoplasms appear with hormonal disorders or a change in hormonal levels: in adolescence, during or immediately after pregnancy, with the onset of menopause. Poor health, irregular and inadequate nutrition and other factors that lead to a weakened immune system play a role.

What happens if fibroma is not treated?

In the absence of treatment, in the vast majority of cases, no health problems arise. This tumor rarely turns from benign to malignant, but there is a risk.Especially in the case of a diffuse form.

Most often, patients complain of cosmetic problems: a neoplasm that has arisen on the face, in the mouth, in open areas of the body spoils the view, reduces attractiveness, and interferes with life. And these formations only increase over time.

After removal of the fibroma, a scar may remain, so it is better to go to the doctor while the formation is small.

How is skin fibroid treated?

As a rule, a qualified dermatologist is able to make the correct diagnosis by simply examining a lesion on the skin.No other diagnostic procedures are required. However, if the appearance of fibroma alerted the doctor, he may refer you to an oncologist who will conduct more thorough research. Cancer suspicions can be confirmed with a biopsy (laboratory examination of a piece of tumor tissue under a microscope). Additional research can be done.

If the fibroma is not oncological in nature, it is sufficient to simply remove it. This is possible both in a conventional operation, after which a scar remains, and in the course of a more modern procedure – laser removal.

Laser Removal: Features and Benefits of the

Method

Skin fibroma, like any other non-infectious neoplasms, can be removed absolutely bloodlessly. Using laser equipment, a specialist can destroy only diseased tissues and cells without touching healthy ones. During the procedure, the tissues are “burned” with a beam of light, and they die off. Necrosis disappears within a few days or weeks, and there is practically no trace left after it.

The main advantages of laser surgery include:

1.Bloodlessness. The surgeon does not cut healthy tissue, does not injure blood vessels, so there simply cannot be blood. This means that the risk of infection and inflammation is excluded.

2. Absence of traces. After removal of the fibroma with a laser, no scar remains in its place. The trace may be present for a while, after which the place heals completely.

3. Easy rehabilitation after surgery. In fact, laser removal can be done without anesthesia and local anesthesia. The pain is minimal and hardly felt (although, as a rule, local anesthesia is done).The whole procedure takes place on an outpatient basis. It is not necessary to bandage the place where the fibroma was previously localized.

4. Fast healing. The laser destroys diseased cells, but has a beneficial effect on healthy cells, improving blood circulation and promoting regeneration. Heals the affected area quickly enough.

After laser removal, the place of fibroma is gradually overgrown with new, healthy skin.

Removal of neoplasms in Lasmed Clinic

90,000 Skin neoplasms – treatment and removal of warts, papillomas

What are warts?

A rare person has not come across warts on personal experience or the experience of loved ones.

Warts are small, usually painless growths of the skin.

Causes of warts

The causes of warts, as a rule, are the smallest lesions on the skin or mucous membranes, which contribute to the penetration of the human papillomavirus .

Infection with them occurs through close physical contact. Unsurprisingly, the most common route of transmission is sexual.

Often, infection occurs in everyday life, especially in gyms, swimming pools, baths, when using hygiene items of another person.

The virus is transmitted from mother to baby when he is born, passing through the birth canal. Therefore, pregnant women should be examined in a timely manner and treated neoplasms.

What activates the human papillomavirus?

• infectious or inflammatory disease,
• hormonal disorders,
• stress,
• physical fatigue,
• lack of essential vitamins or minerals,
• harmful working conditions.

Are warts dangerous?

Most warts , , but not all (!) , are harmless and disappear on their own within a few months or years.

Warts can grow anywhere on the body. They are equally common among both adults and children. Sometimes, warts can be quite disfiguring, especially if they grow on the face or hands, and cause psychological discomfort, and some of them are itchy and painful.

Types of warts (papillomas):

Distinguish 4 main types warts:

• ordinary,
• flat,
• genital warts,
• senile warts.

Ordinary , or simple warts – e This type of neoplasm is dense keratinized papules with a diameter of 1-10 mm. Most often, they form on the back of the hands. Most of them go away on their own, without any treatment, within two years.

Plantar warts , they are also spines – a kind of ordinary warts – appear in places of shoe pressure, especially on strongly sweating feet.First, a small, shiny, subsequently keratinized papule or yellowish-gray plaque with a rough, uneven surface. The formation is usually solitary, but there are 3-6 or more warts. Small elements can merge to form a “mosaic” wart. Plantar warts are very dense, keratinous, gray-dirty in color and are very sore, which prevents walking. Sometimes this type of warts causes temporary disability.

Flat , or juvenile warts – clearly delimited neoplasms with a smooth surface, 1-5 mm in diameter, rising 1-2 mm above the surrounding skin.The name itself suggests that this type of warts usually occurs in children and young people. Flat warts have the appearance of rounded or irregularly shaped flat nodules, which are usually located on the back of the hands, legs, and also on the skin of the face. The color is light brown, pink or flesh. Skin irritation contributes to the appearance of flat warts (they often occur along the course of scratches, cuts, etc.).

Genital warts – the smallest pink nodules (skin growths), which, merging, form a papillary growth of soft consistency on the base, in the form of a leg, flesh or reddish in color.
This type of warts appear on the male and female genitals. They can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, especially if there are small cracks and injuries in the groin and genitals. If not removed, they can grow to a large size and cause significant health damage. Often, condylomas accompany the development of other infectious diseases of the genital organs. According to statistics, most of all this type of warts appears in women with an increased likelihood of developing cervical cancer.

Senile warts or keratomas are the most common benign skin tumors.

Synonyms: Seborrheic keratosis, seborrheic wart, basal cell papilloma . Senile warts usually develop in middle and old age from the epidermis. Elements of seborrheic keratosis are often multiple, located on the chest, less often on the face, neck, back of the hands, the extensor surface of the forearms, as well as on other areas of the skin.The exceptions are the surfaces of the palms and soles. This type of neoplasm never affects the mucous membranes. The number of foci usually does not exceed 20. Size varies from 0.2 to 3 cm, sometimes reaches 4-6 cm.

In our clinic, we can offer one of three treatment regimens for skin neoplasms:

Electro-excision (removal of a wart by high-frequency current).

The wart is “cut off” with a thin metal loop under a high-frequency current, which helps to avoid bleeding, and also disinfects the area of ​​surgery.In this case, if necessary, the doctor can take a section of the biopsy material (removed wart) for histological examination in order to exclude cancer. The manipulation is carried out under local anesthesia with Lidocaine or Ultracaine. After exposure to the current, a small crust is formed, which will disappear on its own in a week (all this time it is better not to tear it off on your own, after its rejection there will be no trace left).

Electroexcision with the inclusion of an immunostimulant and specific antiviral therapy in the treatment regimen

which the doctor selects, applying knowledge of the structure of the wart and its localization (each type of structure and localization, as a rule, corresponds to a certain type of human papillomavirus).

Combined use of electro excision and conventional surgical excision

using a scalpel with suturing of the postoperative wound with sutures, with a satisfactory cosmetic result. The method of excision with a scalpel is used to remove neoplasms larger than 1.0 cm.

Prevention of warts

Preventive measures against the appearance of 90,066 skin lesions (warts) are, in particular:

• thorough personal hygiene;
• only individual use of hygiene items and cosmetics;
• timely treatment of even small cuts and cracks with an antiseptic;
• sexual hygiene, the use of barrier methods of contraception, limiting the number of sexual partners;
• health and immunity care;
• good nutrition and rest.

90,039 90,000 Types of skin neoplasms in children

Neoplasms on the skin is a lesion of the skin as a result of the proliferation of tissue cells in the form of tumor pathological formations, which can be benign, malignant and have a borderline character (precancerous).

Neoplasms can exist on the skin of a child from birth, some of them appear over the years, but all of them can grow, change, metastasize to other organs, cause complications and lead to death.

Reasons for the appearance of

Everyone knows that baby’s skin is delicate and sensitive to any external influences, and not only babies, but also young children and adolescents should be protected from such factors as direct sunlight, which is one of the causes of skin cancer. Some epidermal tumors are independent of external causes and are congenital or hereditary.

Unlike adults, benign neoplasms on children’s skin are rarely transformed into malignant ones, but it is much more difficult to detect them on the body of a small person.The most active age for the appearance of tumors on the skin in a child is considered to be the period up to 8 years, some neoplasms are also characteristic for the age from 8 to 15 years, but they grow slowly and are mostly invisible.

Do not sound the alarm because of every mole that appears on the baby’s body, because Skin cancer is a rather rare disease for children, but there are some types of neoplasms (for example, large congenital pigmented nevi) that require constant medical supervision and control. Large pigmented moles can grow, change color, be injured by clothing, which can lead to their transition to a malignant stage.

Types of neoplasms

• Benign neoplasms . These include warts , nevi , papillomas , lipomas , angiomas , adenomas , lentigines, atheromas, fibromas, neurofibromas, hemangiomas, lymphangiomas. The last two types often occur in children in infancy, never degenerate into malignant and do not pose a danger to the child. Warts and papillomas are typical for preschoolers and adolescents, but they do not threaten the health of the child.As a rule, they are removed for aesthetic reasons;
• Borderline neoplasms (precancerous ) in children. These include xeroderma pigmentosa and keratoacanthoma. The rest of the precancerous neoplasms, such as cutaneous horn, Bowen’s disease, and other diseases are more characteristic of adults and the elderly;
• Malignant neoplasms. This type of skin tumor includes melanoma, sarcoma, neurofibrosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, epithelioma.

Here are some symptoms that parents should look out for:

• discoloration of the neoplasm;

90,029 its rapid growth;

• overgrowth of one of the areas of neoplasm in a child;
• itching, burning in the area of ​​the neoplasm;
• bleeding neoplasm;
• the presence of inflammation on a neoplasm in a child;

If any neoplasms on the baby’s skin cause you anxiety, do not postpone a visit to a dermatologist.After all, only a competent specialist will be able to determine which type of skin tumor the neoplasm belongs to.

In our medical center “Medicenter”, neoplasms on children’s skin are examined – dermatoscopy . In addition, “Medicenter” provides services for the removal of papillomas, nevi and warts in children . Early diagnosis and timely treatment of various types of skin neoplasms in a child will help to avoid complications and their transformation into malignant tumors.

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Our clinics in St. Petersburg

You can get detailed information and make an appointment by calling
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90,000 warts, molluscs, condylomas, keratomas, papillomas, nevi.

Moles and other skin neoplasms: warts, molluscs, condylomas, keratomas, papillomas, nevi.

Moles and other skin neoplasms: warts, molluscs, condylomas, keratomas, papillomas, nevi.

Nevi (birthmark, nevoid tumor, birthmark, English nevus, Spanish lunar, Italian neo, segno, voglia, German muttermal, naevus, French envie, tache de vin, Latin naevus – birthmark) – genetically due to skin formations, divided into 2 main groups:

1. Limited focal dysplasia – a malformation of peripheral sensory nerves, differs from the surrounding skin in color and type of surface;
2. Benign focal proliferation of melanin-forming cells in the skin that occurs in the first years of life (nevoid tumor).

Nevi are skin neoplasms.

Skin neoplasm (blastoma, tumor) – excessive pathological proliferation of dermal tissue, their pathological proliferation, not coordinated with the functions of organs and systems and continuing after the cessation of the action of etiological factors. Skin neoplasms vary:

• by origin: congenital, acquired, malformations or tumors,
• downstream: benign, malignant, precancerous;
• by etiology: genetically determined, viral, actinic, post-traumatic.

The initial stage of nevus development is the proliferation of melanocytes (borderline activity). Further development of the nevus is determined by their differentiation.

Forms of nevi: pigmented (melanocytic or non-cellular, lentigo, “Mongolian spot”, blue, dysplastic, etc.), warty, vascular, skin appendages (hair follicles, sebaceous glands, apocrine and eccrine glands), systematized (linear, extensive) … They can be found at the time of birth – congenital, or appear during life – acquired.According to etiology, type of clinical course and transformation into melanoma, nevi are divided into 4 groups:

1. Nevi of epidermal melanocytic origin:
• Main types: borderline (intraepidermal) nevus, mixed (complex) nevus, intradermal (intradermal) nevus.
• Special types: spindle cell or epithelioid nevus, balloon-forming cell nevus, halonevus.
• Nevi of dermal melanocytic origin: Mongolian spot, Ota nevus, Ito nevus, simple and cellular blue nevi.
• Nevi of mixed dermal and epidermal origin: combined nevus, congenital nevus.
• Nevi-precursors of melanoma: congenital, dysplastic.

Nevi can be pigmented, warty, vascular, skin appendages. Clinical types of melanocytic nevi: flat, nodular, papillomatous, polyposis, pilous, verrucous, keratotic, etc. Melanocytic nevi – dysplastic, congenital, blue nevus, Ota’s nevus, giant pigmented nevus, Dubreus melanosis.Moles often resemble other formations – papillomas, keratomas, warts. These are viral formations that spread through the skin by contact. They need to be removed. Only a specialist can diagnose and choose the right treatment tactics.

You can live your whole life with most nevi, but at the same time, they should not be injured, rubbed, irritated, or exposed to sunlight. Sunbathing should only be before 10 am and after 5 pm.Better to spend from 12 to 17 o’clock in the shade, when the scorching radiation is especially strong. Prolonged sun exposure is dangerous, especially for those with many nevi. Ultraviolet radiation is a well-known melanoma provocateur. Moreover, it is pointless to cover moles with a towel or a Panama hat, to cover them with a plaster – melanoma does not sleep even under such cover. If you want to sunbathe, remove the nevi first. It is necessary to strictly dose the exposure of children to the sun. Every sunburn at a tender age multiplies the risk of developing melanoma in adulthood.American scientists believe that solarium radiation is more dangerous than natural solar radiation. Sunbathing in a solarium is contraindicated for any neoplasms on the skin. Permanent microtraumas are very dangerous, therefore moles localized at places of friction (back, mammary glands, in the area of ​​shoulder straps, elastic bands, on the face) are worthy of the greatest attention. A mole is harmless for the time being. She is a kind of atomic bomb that can “explode” at any moment and be reborn into melanoma. Melanoma is the most malignant human tumor, in 95% of cases it arises from nevi, most often from congenital and dysplastic, rarely can appear on smooth skin spontaneously.When they say “removed a mole – died of cancer,” it means that there was no longer a mole, but melanoma. You should pay attention to any change in the mole – its color, size, shape, surface (the disappearance of the skin pattern or ulceration), the appearance of itching, soreness, bleeding, the appearance of satellites (small black dots around the mole). These signs indicate the activation of pigment formation and its transformation into melanoma. When they appear, you need to urgently consult a specialist.

In order to prevent the degeneration into cancer, regular monitoring of moles is necessary, it is recommended to exclude any injury and massage. Timely removal of a mole is the most reliable prevention of melanoma. But the decision “to remove or not to remove the mole” can only be a dermato-oncologist. There are nevi that are removed for medical reasons, others for cosmetic reasons, and there are those that cannot be touched. In no case should you independently act on moles with various solutions, ointments, moxibustion, tie them with threads, and also remove them at home, in beauty salons, clinics and in other non-specialized medical institutions.It is also impossible, first to take a piece of the mole for a biopsy, and then after some time to remove it. The nevus is removed only by specialists oncologists or dermato-oncologists (specialists in both dermatology and oncology) by the method of resection or electroresection with the simultaneous taking of the entire removed formation for histological examination. When removing moles with a laser, it is not possible to take the material for histology, which does not guarantee the further safety of the patient’s life. It is a misconception that a laser does not leave scars.Leaves, and scars after laser exposure cannot be removed.

Removal of moles on open parts of the body, especially on the face, should be aesthetic, requiring special skill and skill from a specialist, and here everything depends not so much on the apparatus, but mainly on the skills, hands and knowledge of the doctor.

At the Center for Curative Cosmetology of the SOCVD, dermatovenerology-cosmetologists with a specialization in dermato-oncology can expertly advise on any skin neoplasm, select and carry out the correct treatment tactics.Removal of all neoplasms is carried out with obligatory histological examination. At the same time, medical methods with a high cosmetic effect are used.

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