Benign Growths

There are many kinds of benign growths that develop on the skin. The typical characteristics of a benign growth are: not changing in any way, do not bleed, and do not cause any other symptoms.

Moles are brown growths on the skin that begin like a freckle and grow to be raised as we age. It is important to note that benign moles are symmetrical, uniformly pigmented, and are typically smaller sized than a pencil eraser.

Skin tags are small flaps of skin that occur in areas of the body that fold, like the eyelids, neck, armpits, groin folds, and under breasts. They do not call for treatment but can be easily removed.

Solar lentigines, generally referred to as liver spots and getting their name from the similar brown color of the liver, are flat brown spots that develop due to chronic sun exposure. They increase in number and size as we age.

Seborrheic keratosis is one of the most common skin growths in older adults. They are usually brown, black, or light tan, and have a waxy, scaly, or slightly elevated appearance. They do not require treatment and can be removed with liquid nitrogen.

Angiomas are growths that appear as we get older and are produced by the dilatation or new formation of blood vessels. They appear red to purple in color, and can sometimes look like a blood blister.

Dermatofibromas are reddish brown firm bumps in the epidermis caused by an overgrowth of the tissue in the dermis layer. They often feel like a pebble in the skin.

Cysts are benign growths of hair follicles that turn into sacs of fluid under the skin. They are commonplace and do not require treatment, but can be removed easily.