Understanding Skin Growths and Bumps
Skin growths and lumps cover a wide range of conditions from benign nevi to seriously pathological lesions. These irregularities can result from genetics, infections, trauma, or environmental factors.
The size, shape, colour and texture of skin masses are highly heterogeneous, and the appearance of a lesion will decide how intervention or follow-up is needed.
Common Types of Skin Growths & Bumps
- Moles (Nevus) - Moles are groups of pigmented cells, which can be sessile or raised, and switch in colour from pink to brown. Although the majority of moles are benign, alteration in the morphology of their appearance can indicate melanoma, a disease of the skin characterized by cancer.
- Skin Tags (Acrochordons) - Skin tags are small soft fleshy projections that usually develop at sites of the skin fold, e.g., neck, armpit, and groin. They are non-cancerous and often result from friction.
- Warts - Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and are characterized by rough bumps. They are contagious and can spread through direct contact.
- Lipomas - Lipomas are soft, fatty lesions that take place deep under the skin. These are generally painless and harmless but can be excised if they are bothersome.
- Sebaceous Cysts - Sebaceous cysts are small and filled with fluid bumps that arise beneath the skin as a result of closed sebaceous glands. These cysts are generally benign (non-cancerous) but may become either inflamed or infected.
- Actinic Keratosis - These bumpy, scaly lesions are attributable to repeated sun exposure and are precancerous. Without treatment, they may progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
- Dermatofibromas - Dermatofibromas are discrete, knobby, soft nodules that frequently occur on the lower extremities. They are benign but may cause discomfort if pressed.
- Keloids - Keloids are exuberant scars that develop after wounding the skin. They are more prevalent in patients belonging to darker complexions and may cause itchiness or pain.
- Cherry Angiomas - These tiny, red nodules are clusters of blood vessels and are not dangerous. They often appear with age.
Skin lesions and bumps can arise for several reasons, such as:-
- Genetics - Family history is of great concern with the occurrence of moles, keloids, and lipomas.
- Infections - Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can cause warts, boils, or abscesses.
- Environmental Factors - Repeated sun exposure causes a risk of actinic Keratosis and other lesions.
- Hormonal Changes - Hormones can trigger conditions like skin tags during pregnancy.
- Ageing - Growths like cherry Angiomas are often associated with ageing.
Diagnosing Skin Growths & Bumps
The diagnostic process at Dermavision - The Skin Clinic starts with a complete inspection of skin growth or bump. Dermatologists may use the following methods:-
- Visual Inspection - The appearance, colour, and texture are assessed.
- Dermatoscopy - A Dermatoscopy magnifies the lesion for a closer look.
- Biopsy - In cases where malignancy is suspected, a small sample of the growth is taken and examined under a microscope.
- Imaging Tests - Imaging tests, such as ultrasonography, may be suggested for deeper or larger lesions.
