Skin Growths

The dermatologists at Water’s Edge treat all types of skin growths from head to toe. Explore the links below to learn about some of the most common ones.

• Dermatofibroma, also called histiocytoma, is a non-cancerous skin growth that appears as a small, firm, rubbery bump, often on the legs but can appear anywhere. It may feel hard to the touch. The exact cause is unknown, but is often found in places where there was an injury or wound, even something like an insect bite.
• Digital mucinous pseudocyst (myxoid cyst): These lesions are bluish in color and extrude a clear, thick material when punctured. They most commonly occur in the skin overlying the base of the fingernail and may interfere with nail growth, causing a nail groove to develop. These lesions are not true cysts, but represent a degenerative process of the skin in which the sticky, jelly-like substance accumulates. Treatment includes surgical removal and/or cortisone injections.
• Epidermoid and pilar cysts (sebaceous cysts)
• Hemangioma (Cherry Angioma)
• Keratoacanthoma: Keratoacanthoma is a fast-growing, dome-shaped skin tumor that usually occurs on sun-exposed areas of the body, especially the head, neck, arms, legs, and backs of the hands. It looks like a small volcano with a central keratin plug and often begins in a hair follicle.
• Lipoma
• Moles
• Milia
• Neurofibroma: A neurofibroma may resemble a non-colored mole but is often very soft. These lesions are usually asymptomatic (do not hurt or itch), but may be tender to the touch. The benign growths are derived from nerve sheath cells in the skin. They may be removed surgically if they are bothersome. When there are numerous neurofibromas, patches of pigmentation, and freckling in the armpits, the individual may have an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis. There are many forms of this disease, which may be associated with brain tumors and internal neurofibromas that can become malignant. Such patients require close monitoring and genetic counseling.
• Prurigo Nodularis (Picker’s Nodule): Prurigo nodularis is a thickened, rough, tumor-like, sometimes scaly lesion that often causes intense itching. It is not a true growth; it is a reactive process due to scratching. The exact cause of the intense itching remains unknown. Since it can be confused with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, a skin biopsy is sometimes necessary. Occasionally, prurigo nodularis is associated with an underlying medical condition, such as eczema, kidney failure, or cancer. Treatment is difficult and may consist of cortisone injections placed directly into the growth, cortisone tapes, creams, ointments, freezing, anti-itch medication, or curettage (scraping).
• Pyogenic Granuloma (Proud Flesh): Pyogenic granulomas are small pink or red lesions formed by many blood vessels. With minor trauma, the lesions bleed easily. They may arise spontaneously or develop after an injury. These growths occur at any age and in both sexes, but are more common in children. Those that form during pregnancy in the gingiva (gums) usually disappear spontaneously after delivery. The most efficacious treatment is to surgically shave and cauterize them with an electric needle. Other treatment methods used are surgical removal and electrocautery, cryosurgery (freezing), and laser surgery.
• Sebaceous Hyperplasia
• Skin Tags
• Stucco Keratosis
• Syringoma: Syringomas are small (2 millimeter) lesions of sweat gland ducts. They occur most often in women, form frequently on the lower eyelid, and are usually skin colored. The lesions also may be white. They are asymptomatic (do not hurt or itch). Treatment includes electrosurgery, surgical removal, laser surgery, and dermabrasion.
• Trichoepithelioma: Trichoepithelioma is a rare benign skin lesion that originates from hair follicles. Trichoepitheliomas are mostly seen in the scalp, nose, forehead, and upper lip.
• Warts
• Xanthelasma: Xanthelasma is a harmless, yellow soft patches or bumps that appear on or by the corners of the eyelids next to your nose and are caused by cholesterol deposits under the skin. They are benign, but can be a sign of underlying cholesterol issues.

If you have a skin growth, contact Water’s Edge Dermatology for an appointment. Our dermatologists can diagnose your skin growth and recommend the appropriate treatment option for you.