What are Skin Lumps and Bumps?
Skin lumps and bumps, also known as skin growths or lesions, are abnormal tissue that grows on the skin. They can come in many shapes, sizes, textures and colors. Some common types of skin lumps and bumps include:
- Moles
- Skin tags
- Warts
- Lipomas
- Cysts
- Age spots
Causes of Skin Lumps and Bumps
There are many potential causes of skin lumps and bumps, including:
- Harmless growths like skin tags
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Genetics
- Sun exposure and aging
- Cancerous and precancerous lesions
When to See a Dermatologist
Many skin lumps are harmless, but some can indicate an underlying skin condition or disease. See a dermatologist promptly if you notice any lumps that:
- Bleed easily
- Itch persistently
- Change size or color
- Have an unusual appearance
Treatment and Removal Options
Treatments vary depending on the type of skin lump. They may include:
- Cryotherapy - freezing lesions off
- Excision - cutting growths out
- Laser therapy
- Medications
- Photodynamic therapy
Preventing Skin Lumps
While not all skin lumps can be prevented, you can reduce your risks by:
- Using sunscreen
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure
- Not smoking
- Eating a healthy diet
- Practicing self-skin examinations
FAQs
What are the most common types of benign skin growths?
Some of the most common benign (noncancerous) skin growths include moles, skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, cherry angiomas, and lentigines (liver spots). These are usually harmless and often related to sun exposure or aging.
How can you tell if a skin lump is cancerous?
See your dermatologist promptly if you notice any skin lumps with the ABCDE warning signs: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, varying Color, increasing Diameter, or Evolving size shape or color. Cancerous lumps don’t always fit the ABCDE criteria, so getting a professional opinion is recommended.
Which skin lump removal methods are least invasive?
Some minimally invasive skin lump removal methods include cryotherapy (freezing them off), small excisions, laser removal, hyfrecation, and topical medications. These are usually outpatient procedures with minimal pain, scarring, or downtime.
Is it possible to prevent benign skin growths?
While harmless growths like skin tags can’t always be prevented, you can reduce your risks of many lesions by using sunscreen, covering up from the sun, avoiding skin injuries, eating healthfully, practicing self-skin checks, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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