Non-cancerous tumours and conditions of the skin

Non-cancerous (benign) tumours and conditions of the skin are growths or changes to skin cells, but they are not cancer. They don't spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body and aren't usually life-threatening. They usually don’t need any treatment but may be removed with surgery.

There are many types of non-cancerous tumours and conditions of the skin.

A dermatofibroma is a small, hard lump that varies in colour from pink or red to brown. It may be itchy or tender. It may also dimple or pinch inwards.

Dermatofibromas are commonly found on the arms and legs, especially the lower leg. They are often caused by some minor injury to the skin, like an insect bite.

They don’t need to be removed unless they cause symptoms. If they do cause symptoms, a dermatologist or surgeon may remove dermatofibromas through an excision or cryosurgery.

An epidermoid cyst is a lump under the skin caused by a buildup of a protein called keratin. It is the most common type of skin cyst. Epidermoid cysts can be found anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the face, neck and the central part of the body (called trunk).

The cyst may be removed by surgical excision or treated by draining it through a cut (incision).

A hemangioma is a red or purple lump on the skin caused by an abnormal overgrowth of blood vessels. An abnormal overgrowth of blood vessels may be caused by sun exposure, age or family history. They are commonly called cherry angiomas. They can be treated with electrodesiccation or by surgical excision.

A lipoma is a growth that starts from fat cells. Lipomas can form anywhere in the body where there are fat cells, but they are commonly found underneath the skin in the subcutis. They are soft and shaped like a dome.

Lipomas aren't usually removed unless they are large and cause symptoms like pain. Then they may be removed by surgical excision.

A mole (melanocytic nevus) is a bump or spot on the skin that is usually brown or pink and has a smooth and regular border. Moles are made up of a group of cells that give skin, hair and eyes their colour (called melanocytes). They may be raised or flat and can be found anywhere on the body.

If the mole has abnormal features such as an uneven border, unusual colours or is bleeding, it may be melanoma skin cancer. A biopsy may be done to check for cancer.

Seborrheic keratosis is a pink, red, tan, dark brown or black raised growth with a waxy or scaly appearance. They look like warts and can be different sizes. Seborrheic keratosis can be found anywhere on the skin, but often on the face, shoulders, chest and back. They are most common in middle-aged and older adults.

Seborrheic keratosis may be treated with curettage, electrodesiccation or cryosurgery.

A skin tag is a small, soft growth that is usually the same colour as your skin. Skin tags are very common and often occur in middle-aged and older adults. They are often found on the neck, armpits or groin.

They don’t need to be removed unless they become irritated, painful or bleed. Doctors may remove skin tags with electrosurgery, a surgical excision or cryosurgery.

A wart is a small round or oval growth on the skin. Warts can occur anywhere on the skin, including the hands, bottom of the feet, anus and genital area. They are caused by types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Many warts go away on their own. If they don’t go away, warts may be treated with special medicines put on the skin, cryosurgery, surgical excision or electrosurgery. Anal and genital warts are often treated differently than other types of warts.