Benign Skin Tumours

Not every lump, mark or similar growth on the skin means cancer. Benign tumours and growths make up a large proportion of the skin lesions encountered in everyday dermatology practice. These lesions usually pose no serious health risk; however, they may grow over time, cause cosmetic discomfort, become irritated by catching on clothing, or resemble skin cancers in appearance.

It is therefore important that lesions which are new, grow quickly, change colour or shape, or show findings such as bleeding or crusting are assessed by a dermatologist. With clinical examination and, where needed, dermoscopic examination, the great majority of benign growths can be distinguished reliably. In doubtful cases, histopathological examination is performed for a definitive diagnosis.

Seborrhoeic keratosis is one of the most common benign tumours of the skin, seen especially in middle and older age. It can range in colour from light brown to black and usually appears as rough-surfaced or waxy bumps that look stuck onto the skin. It does not turn into cancer; however, because it can sometimes look similar to melanoma or other skin tumours, it is important that the correct diagnosis is made by a dermatologist. Lesions that are cosmetically bothersome or frequently irritated are treated with cryotherapy, curettage or other appropriate methods.

Skin tags (acrochordons) are small, soft, stalked skin projections that are skin-coloured or slightly brown. They appear most often on the neck, underarms, groin and eyelids, and are more common with age, excess weight, insulin resistance and in areas of frequent friction. They are entirely benign and do not turn into cancer; they may become irritated by catching on clothing or jewellery, or cause cosmetic discomfort. Cryotherapy and cautery are used in their treatment.

Cherry angiomas are benign vascular growths a few millimetres across, bright red or purple in colour, formed by a proliferation of small blood vessels in the skin. They usually appear on the trunk and arms, and their number can increase with age. They are harmless and usually need no treatment; they can be treated with appropriate methods in the event of bleeding after trauma, cosmetic discomfort or diagnostic doubt.

In conclusion, although most growths on the skin are benign, some skin cancers can initially resemble these lesions. For this reason, having new, changing or suspicious skin lesions assessed by a dermatologist is of great importance for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.