Benign Skin Growths

What are benign skin growths?

Benign skin growths or lesions are typically harmless in Singapore and generally do not progress into malignant conditions such as skin cancer. These growths vary significantly in appearance. And are occasionally removed for diagnostic and cosmetic purposes.

Dr Evelyn at Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic offers tailored guidance or consultations regarding removing benign skin growths.

What do benign skin growths look like?

The appearance of benign skin growths varies widely depending on the type of growth. In some instances, benign skin growths do not cause noticeable symptoms and may only be discovered during a routine physical examination.

Type of benign skin growth	Appearance of benign skin growth	Causes of benign skin growths
Seborrhoeic keratosis	Seborrhoeic keratoses appear brown, black, or tan and may look waxy and slightly raised.   While they can appear anywhere on the body, they are commonly found on the face, neck, chest, and back.   In some cases, they may become itchy, irritated, and inflamed.	Seborrhoeic keratosis occurs due to an overgrowth of skin cells, also known as keratinocytes.   If you have multiple seborrhoeic keratosis, there may be a familial predisposition.
Skin tags	Skin tags are small, pedunculated, flesh-coloured skin appendages that may occasionally twist on themselves, turn black at the tip, and cause pain. They can also become inflamed from friction or trauma.	Skin tags tend to aggregate in the skin folds such as the armpits, thighs, eyelids, and neck. Skin tags can be hereditary or found more frequently in overweight individuals.
Sebaceous hyperplasias	Sebaceous hyperplasia are small, yellow, or flesh-coloured bumps on the skin's surface. They are usually dome-shaped with a central indentation and tend to develop on the face.	Sebaceous hyperplasia is caused by the enlargement of sebaceous (oil) glands and may be more common in those with acne.
Syringomas	Syringomas are small, firm, flesh-coloured or yellowish bumps.   They typically cluster around the eyes, especially on the lower eyelids, but may also occur on other parts of the face, neck, chest, or groin.	Syringomas are caused by the overgrowth of cells in the sweat glands (eccrine glands).
Dermatofibromas	Dermatofibromas are firm lumps usually found on the limbs. They are usually harmless and asymptomatic but can occasionally be painful, inflamed, or itchy.	Dermatofibromas are composed of collagen fibres and the cells that produce them, also known as fibroblasts.   They often occur in response to injury.
Lipomas	Lipomas are mobile, soft, rubbery lumps that are often better felt than seen.   Lipomas can become occasionally become painful.	Lipomas are a collection of fat cells often found in the skin's subcutaneous layer.   Occasionally, they may extend into the muscles underneath.   Some individuals with multiple lipomas have a genetic predisposition to developing them.
Cherry angiomas	Cherry angiomas are small, bright red or purple bumps on the skin. They are most frequently found on the trunk.   These typically appear in adulthood and increase in number with age.	The bright red appearance of cherry angiomas comes from the accumulation of small blood vessels underneath the skin.

What is the difference between benign skin growths and skin cancer?

The main difference between benign skin growths and skin cancer is that benign skin growths do not invade or spread to other tissues or organs. Skin cancer or malignant skin growths, on the other hand, tend to grow at a faster rate and invade underlying tissues with the propensity for spreading to different organs and lymph nodes (for specific subtypes of skin cancer).

However, these indicators alone cannot differentiate between benign skin growth and skin cancer. It is best to have it checked by a dermatologist who can perform skin biopsies or other tests to determine if the skin growth is benign or malignant.

Who is at risk of benign skin growth?

Benign skin growths are common and can develop in people of all ages and backgrounds. However, for some individuals, the risk may be higher. The following risk factors are associated with benign skin growths:

• Age: benign skin growths, such as sebaceous hyperplasia or skin tags, tend to develop as we age. They are more prevalent in middle-aged or older individuals.
• Genetics: having a family history of benign skin growths may increase the likelihood of developing similar growths.
• Hormones: some benign skin growths are influenced by hormonal changes. One example is cherry angioma, which grows in response to hormonal influences during pregnancy.
• Sun exposure: benign skin growths like seborrhoeic keratosis may develop more in sun-exposed areas, though this is debatable.
• Medical conditions: certain conditions, such as obesity or other metabolic disorders, have been associated with an increased risk of developing skin tags.
• Irritation, infection, or injury: some benign skin growths, such as skin tags, often occur due to irritation and friction in the skin. Dermatofibromas usually develop in response to trauma.

How are benign skin growths diagnosed?

The diagnosis of benign growths involves a combination of the following:

• Clinical examination: your dermatologist will physically examine the skin growth and assess its characteristics.
• Medical history assessment: your medical history will be analysed to identify possible causes of the benign skin growth. We will also try to understand how the skin growth affects you.
• Diagnostic tests: additional diagnostic tests, such as a skin biopsy, may be necessary to diagnose benign skin growths or distinguish them from malignant skin tumours. 

What are the treatment options for benign skin growths?

At Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic, we understand that each patient comes to us with unique concerns and goals. Whether a benign skin growth is causing discomfort or you seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, our team is here to offer a range of advanced treatment options tailored to your needs. Here's an overview of the treatments we provide for benign skin growth at Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic:

• Topical treatments: topical treatments often have limited efficacy in treating benign skin growths, though they may have a role to play in reducing inflammation and irritative symptoms associated with them.
• Snip or shave excision: this is a common method of removing benign skin growths, particularly large or inflamed ones, as a histological specimen can be obtained to rule out malignancy.
• Laser therapy: laser therapy (carbon dioxide laser, pulsed dye laser) is commonly used to treat certain skin lesions. It provides a precise and controlled method for removal without damaging the surrounding skin.

• Electrosurgery: this is a precise, minimally invasive procedure where heat is delivered through a small tip to vaporise tissue

Concerned about a skin growth? Make an appointment with Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic today, and we can create a bespoke treatment plan for you.

Frequently asked questions

Is removing moles and skin tags painful?

The removal of moles and skin tags is typically performed under topical or local anaesthesia, making the procedure relatively painless. Patients might experience slight discomfort during the anaesthetic administration, but the removal should be painless. There is typically no need to take any over-the-counter pain relief post-procedure.

How effective is laser treatment for the removal of benign skin growths?

Laser treatment is a favoured method for removing benign skin growths due to its precision and ability to minimise damage to the surrounding skin, significantly reducing the risk of scarring. While laser treatment can offer excellent outcomes for many patients, it's important to consult a dermatologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

How long does recovery take after the removal of benign skin growths?

Generally, most of our patients can return to their daily routine within a day, though the area we treated may need some time (ranging from a few days to two weeks) to heal completely. Following our aftercare instructions is essential, as they are tailored to help you recover as smoothly and swiftly as possible.

Can benign skin growths recur after removal?
Removal of benign skin growths may take more than one session. The efficacy of removing the growth must be balanced against the risk of causing scarring. Hence, more than one session may be required for deeper growths like syringomas and sebaceous hyperplasias.

While removing benign skin growths is generally permanent for the treated lesion, new growths can develop in other areas of the skin. The likelihood of recurrence depends on the individual’s skin type, genetics, and environmental factors.

When should you worry about skin growths?
Most skin growths are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous. They often do not require treatment unless they become inflamed, painful, itchy, or a cosmetic concern. However, it is always best to have a dermatologist check them if in doubt.

Do benign skin growths need to be removed?

Benign skin growths and tumours often do not need to be removed as they do not pose any significant health risks. However, if there are associated symptoms or cosmetic concerns, you can seek treatment for removal, as it can be done safely using minimally invasive techniques such as laser therapy.

What is the most common benign growth of the skin?
Seborrhoeic keratoses are believed to be among the most common benign growth or tumours of the skin.

What causes benign skin growths?
The exact cause of benign skin growths is often unknown, as they develop over time and with age. However, many benign skin growths are caused by years of exposure to the sun or develop in response to hormonal changes. Genetics may also play a role.