Understanding Skin Growths

Skin growths are abnormal collections of cells that form bumps, lumps, or raised areas on or beneath the skin’s surface. They can develop for many reasons, including aging, sun damage, genetics, hormonal changes, and other factors. While the word “growth” can sound alarming, the vast majority of skin growths are benign (non-cancerous) and pose no threat to your health.

Skin growths vary widely in appearance. They may be soft or firm, flat or raised, skin-colored or pigmented. Some grow slowly over years, while others appear more suddenly. They can occur anywhere on the body and may be single or multiple.

Despite being benign, many skin growths warrant professional evaluation. A dermatologist can distinguish between harmless growths and those that might be cancerous or pre-cancerous. Additionally, some benign growths benefit from removal if they’re causing symptoms, getting irritated, or affecting your appearance and confidence.

Common Types of Benign Skin Growths

Glo Dermatology evaluates and treats all types of skin growths. Below are some of the most common benign growths we see in our Parma practice.

Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses are among the most common benign skin growths, particularly in adults over 50. These growths appear as waxy, wart-like, “stuck-on” bumps that can range from light tan to dark brown or black. They typically have a rough, scaly surface and may look like they could be peeled off (though you shouldn’t try this). Seborrheic keratoses can appear anywhere on the body except the palms and soles, and many people develop multiple growths over time.

While seborrheic keratoses are completely harmless and don’t become cancerous, they can sometimes be confused with melanoma or other skin cancers due to their dark color. Professional evaluation can confirm the diagnosis and provide peace of mind. Many people choose to have seborrheic keratoses removed for cosmetic reasons or because they become irritated.

Dermatofibromas

Dermatofibromas are firm, small bumps that develop in the skin, most commonly on the legs. They’re typically brownish or reddish-brown and may feel like a small, hard pebble beneath the skin. When pinched, a dermatofibroma often dimples inward (the “dimple sign”). These growths are thought to develop as a reaction to minor injuries like insect bites or ingrown hairs.

Dermatofibromas are harmless and usually don’t require treatment. However, if a dermatofibroma is bothersome, painful, or cosmetically undesirable, it can be removed surgically.

Lipomas

Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow beneath the skin. They’re typically slow-growing, moveable when pressed, and painless. Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs. They range in size from pea-sized to several inches in diameter.

Lipomas are benign and usually don’t require treatment unless they’re painful, growing rapidly, or bothersome. Removal involves a minor surgical procedure to excise the fatty tissue.

Epidermoid Cysts (Sebaceous Cysts)

Epidermoid cysts are round, slow-growing lumps that develop just beneath the skin. They contain a soft, cheese-like material made of keratin and are often topped by a small, dark plug (the punctum). Epidermoid cysts can occur anywhere but are most common on the face, neck, and trunk.

While epidermoid cysts are benign, they can become infected, inflamed, or painful, requiring treatment. Even when not causing problems, many people prefer to have cysts removed for cosmetic reasons. Complete removal of the cyst wall is important to prevent recurrence.

Pilar Cysts

Pilar cysts, also called trichilemmal cysts, are similar to epidermoid cysts but most commonly occur on the scalp. They tend to run in families and are more common in women. Pilar cysts are filled with keratin and have a smooth, firm texture. Like epidermoid cysts, they can become inflamed or infected and may be removed if bothersome.

Cherry Angiomas

Cherry angiomas are small, bright red or purple growths made up of blood vessels. They typically appear on the trunk and increase in number with age—most adults over 30 have at least a few. Cherry angiomas are completely harmless, though they may bleed if injured. Many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons, which can be done quickly with laser treatment or electrocautery.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia appears as small, yellowish or skin-colored bumps with a central depression, most commonly on the forehead and cheeks. These growths represent enlarged oil glands and are more common in people with oily skin and in older adults. While benign, they can resemble basal cell carcinoma, so professional evaluation is important. Treatment options include cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser therapy, or topical treatments.

Milia

Milia are tiny, white or yellowish bumps that commonly appear on the face, particularly around the eyes and on the cheeks. They’re caused by keratin trapped beneath the skin’s surface. Milia are harmless and often resolve on their own, but persistent ones can be removed with a simple extraction procedure.

Neurofibromas

Neurofibromas are soft, fleshy growths that develop from nerve tissue. They appear as small bumps on or under the skin and are usually skin-colored or slightly pigmented. While individual neurofibromas are benign and usually don’t require treatment, having many neurofibromas may indicate neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that should be evaluated.

Keratoacanthomas

Keratoacanthomas are dome-shaped growths with a central crater filled with keratin. They grow rapidly over weeks to months, which can be alarming, but they’re generally considered benign or low-grade malignancies. Because keratoacanthomas can be difficult to distinguish from squamous cell carcinoma and may not resolve on their own, removal is typically recommended.

When to Have a Skin Growth Evaluated

While most skin growths are harmless, certain characteristics warrant professional evaluation. You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Daoud if a growth is new and you’re uncertain what it is, a growth is changing in size, shape, color, or texture, a growth bleeds, oozes, crusts, or doesn’t heal, a growth is painful, tender, or itchy, a growth is irritated by clothing, jewelry, or daily activities, a growth resembles anything on the ABCDE checklist for melanoma (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, Evolving), or you simply want peace of mind about a growth that concerns you.

Professional evaluation is quick and can provide reassurance that a growth is benign or, if necessary, ensure that concerning growths receive appropriate treatment.

Diagnosing Skin Growths

Dr. Daoud can often identify skin growths through visual examination alone. Her training and experience allow her to recognize the characteristic features of various benign and malignant growths.

During your appointment, Dr. Daoud will examine the growth in question and may use dermoscopy—a specialized magnifying device with polarized light—to visualize structures beneath the skin’s surface. This technique improves diagnostic accuracy and helps distinguish benign growths from those requiring further evaluation.

If there’s any uncertainty about the diagnosis or concern that a growth might be cancerous, Dr. Daoud may recommend a biopsy. This involves removing all or part of the growth and sending it to a laboratory for microscopic examination. A biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis and guides treatment decisions.

Skin Growth Removal Options

For skin growths that are bothersome, symptomatic, or cosmetically undesirable, Glo Dermatology offers several removal options. Dr. Daoud will recommend the most appropriate technique based on the type, size, and location of your growth.

Surgical Excision

Surgical excision involves cutting out the growth along with a margin of surrounding normal tissue. The wound is then closed with stitches. This technique is used for growths that extend deeper into the skin, such as lipomas and cysts, as well as for growths that need pathological examination. Dr. Daoud takes care to minimize scarring and achieve the best possible cosmetic result.

Shave Removal

Shave removal uses a surgical blade to shave off growths that are raised above the skin’s surface. This technique works well for seborrheic keratoses and other superficial growths. Shave removal typically doesn’t require stitches, and the wound heals on its own over one to two weeks.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy unwanted skin growths. The treated area blisters and peels off over the following days to weeks. Cryotherapy is quick, effective, and works well for seborrheic keratoses, sebaceous hyperplasia, and certain other growths. Multiple treatments may be needed for some growths.

Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery uses electrical current to destroy unwanted tissue. It can be used alone or in combination with curettage (scraping). This technique is effective for seborrheic keratoses, sebaceous hyperplasia, cherry angiomas, and various other growths.

Laser Treatment

Laser therapy uses focused light energy to destroy or remove skin growths. It’s particularly effective for vascular growths like cherry angiomas and can also be used for sebaceous hyperplasia and other superficial growths. Laser treatment often produces excellent cosmetic results.

Incision and Drainage

For inflamed or infected cysts, incision and drainage may provide immediate relief. However, this approach doesn’t remove the cyst wall, so the cyst may recur. Once inflammation resolves, complete surgical excision can be performed to prevent recurrence.

What to Expect During Skin Growth Removal

Most skin growth removals are quick, straightforward procedures performed right in our Parma office. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Before the procedure, the area will be cleaned and local anesthesia will be injected to numb the skin. You may feel a brief pinch or sting from the injection, but the area will be completely numb within moments.

Once you’re numb, Dr. Daoud will remove the growth using the appropriate technique. You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure, though you may feel some pressure or movement. The actual removal typically takes just a few minutes.

After removal, the wound will be cleaned and dressed. Dr. Daoud will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to care for the wound, what to expect during healing, and signs of complications to watch for. If stitches were placed, you’ll return to have them removed, typically within one to two weeks.

If the growth was sent for biopsy, results usually take one to two weeks. Dr. Daoud will contact you to discuss the findings.

Healing and Aftercare

Proper aftercare promotes optimal healing and minimizes scarring. Follow all instructions provided by Dr. Daoud, including keeping the wound clean and dry initially, then cleaning gently as directed. Apply any prescribed ointments or medications as instructed. Protect the healing wound from sun exposure, which can darken scars. Avoid picking at scabs, which can worsen scarring and increase infection risk. Watch for signs of infection, including increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or discharge.

Most minor skin growth removals heal within one to three weeks, depending on the size and location of the wound and the removal technique used. Scars are usually minimal and continue to fade over the following months.

Growths That Require Special Attention

While most skin growths are benign, some require prompt attention due to the possibility of malignancy or other concerns.

Any growth that’s rapidly changing, bleeding, or not healing should be evaluated promptly. Growths with irregular borders, multiple colors, or asymmetrical shapes warrant assessment to rule out melanoma or other skin cancers. New growths in people with a history of skin cancer should always be checked.

If Dr. Daoud identifies a growth that appears potentially malignant, she’ll recommend biopsy for definitive diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options based on the results.

Schedule Your Skin Growth Evaluation Today

Whether you’re concerned about a new growth, want a bothersome bump removed, or simply want peace of mind about changes in your skin, Dr. Shaza Daoud and the team at Glo Dermatology are here to help. Our thorough evaluations and expert removal techniques ensure you receive the answers and results you need.

Don’t ignore skin growths that concern you. Contact our Parma office today at (216) 351-7700 to schedule your evaluation. We welcome patients from throughout Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, including Parma Heights, Brooklyn, Seven Hills, Independence, Middleburg Heights, and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Growths

Are skin growths dangerous?

The vast majority of skin growths are benign and pose no health risk. However, some growths can be cancerous or pre-cancerous, which is why professional evaluation is important. Dr. Daoud can distinguish between harmless growths and those requiring treatment.

Why do I keep getting skin growths?

Many factors contribute to skin growth development, including genetics, aging, sun exposure, and hormonal changes. Some types of growths, like seborrheic keratoses, become increasingly common with age, and if you’re prone to developing them, you’ll likely continue to develop more over time.

Can I remove skin growths myself?

No. Attempting to remove skin growths at home can lead to infection, scarring, and incomplete removal. It can also be dangerous if the growth turns out to be cancerous. Professional removal is safe, effective, and provides the opportunity for pathological examination if needed.

Will my insurance cover skin growth removal?

Coverage depends on your insurance plan and the reason for removal. Growths removed for medical reasons (such as suspicious lesions or those causing symptoms) are often covered, while removal for purely cosmetic reasons may not be. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify coverage.

Will the growth come back after removal?

When a growth is completely removed, it typically doesn’t recur at that exact location. However, if you’re prone to certain types of growths (like seborrheic keratoses), you may develop new ones in other areas over time. For cysts, complete removal of the cyst wall is important to prevent recurrence at the same site.

How can I tell if a skin growth is cancerous?

You can’t definitively determine whether a growth is cancerous just by looking at it—that requires professional evaluation and possibly biopsy. However, warning signs that warrant prompt evaluation include rapid growth, irregular borders, multiple colors, bleeding, crusting, or a growth that doesn’t heal.