Benign skin tumours

here are over a thousand entities in dermatology; it is difficult to understand all in just a few pages. We are going to describe a few common skin problems. This is purely educational; if you have a skin disease, please consult your dermatologist.

The common benign skin tumour include

1) Seborrheic keratosis

2) Skin tags

3) Epidermoid cyst (Sebaceous cyst)

4) Lipoma

Seborreic keratosis is the most common benign skin growth, often appearing on our skin after 30 years of age. They are tan or brown in colour, and are slightly raised. They tend to grow more extensive and become darker with time. They can be easily removed with carbon dioxide laser.

Skin tags are tiny little growths of pedunculated skin. They started off tiny, often about the size of 1mm, and can grow with time to the size of 5 mm – 1 cm. They are commonly seen on neck, armpit and skin folds. They are more common in the obese and diabetic. They can be easily removed with carbon dioxide laser.

Epidermoid cysts are seen on scalp, face, neck and body. They are caused by mild trauma, resulting in the implanting of epidermal tissue into the dermis. They appear as a little lump under the skin, and may not have other symptoms. Occasionally, they get infected by bacteria, and when squeezed hard, smelly cheesy material may be expressed. Surgical excision is the correct treatment.

Lipomas is the most common soft tissue tumor. The skin surface appears normal. They feel like little bumps underneath the skin, and may occur anywhere. Most are under 1cm in diameter. Lipomas grow very slowly, but when enlarged to >5cm or become symptomatic, then surgical excision is the treatment.