Benign Skin Lesions
Benign Skin Lesions
If you are considering removal or correction of skin lesions, such as moles, cysts or tags, then you may have a few questions you would like answered.
For fast results, call the LPSA - you can have the surgery and the results of your tests within 72hrs.
You may choose to remove a skin lesion for a number of reasons:
- To stop discomfort caused by rubbing on clothing
- To remove a blemish on the face which you find unsightly
- To enhance the aesthetic appearance of your body
- To answer the question of whether it is safe to keep or not
The following frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs) will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when it can help, how it is performed, and what results you can expect. These may not answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Your surgeon will be able to help you with any further concerns you have about how the procedure will affect you personally.
- What is a skin tag?
- What is a sebaceous cyst?
- What are seborrheic keratoses?
- I have a skin tag on my neck that catches my jewellery. Is it easy to have it removed?
- I have a mole on my face that I would like removed for cosmetic reasons. Will it leave a scar?
- I have a soft lesion under the skin that I have been told is a 'fatty' lump. Will removing it leave a big scar?
- I have a heavy history of sun exposure, and caught severe sunburn as a child. Am I at risk of skin cancer?
- I have a dark mole that has been present for a long time, but now seems to be getting bigger. Does it need to be removed?
What is a skin tag?
A skin tag, or papilloma, refers to a benign epithelial lesion of the skin. Cutaneous tags are very common, and often occur during mid-life. They are tiny skin outgrowths and may have small, narrow stalks connecting the protrusion to the skin's surface. They usually do not cause discomfort, unless irritated by clothes or jewellery. It is not known how they originate, but treatment is usually not necessary unless the tags are irritating or unsightly due to a prominent location.
What is a sebaceous cyst?
Sebaceous cysts originate from blocked oil glands in the skin. They can be found on most areas of the body. They are generally round and often have puncta which are visible on the skin. The cysts can exude a sticky white material when squeezed, and when infected they can become red and tender. Sebaceous cysts are primarily a cosmetic problem or a nuisance when formed in places on the body that are easily irritated, like the armpit or inside of the leg. Sebaceous cysts are benign and do not develop into cancer.
What are seborrheic keratoses?
These are the most common skin lesions and though the exact cause of seborrheic keratoses is unknown, they tend to appear most on sun-exposed areas in older patients. Patients can often develop many of these lesions, most commonly on the neck, face, and torso. Seborrheic keratoses usually have a brown/tan colour, with defined edges and a 'stuck-on' appearance. They vary in texture and can be wart-like, crusty or smooth. Occasionally the surface can flake or crumble, especially if they are rubbed or picked, which can lead to bleeding and oozing. They can sometimes be mistaken for a skin cancer or melanoma if they are irregular in form or have been irritated. Seborrheic keratoses have no potential for malignancy and as superficial lesions; they can be easily removed with little or no scarring.
I have a skin tag on my neck that catches my jewellery. Is it easy to have it removed?
Yes. With a simple local anaesthetic, small skin lesions can be removed in minutes. Stitches are not always necessary and scars are usually very satisfactory.
I have a mole on my face that I would like removed for cosmetic reasons. Will it leave a scar?
Any surgery on the skin will leave a scar, and scars are permanent. However, when placed in the natural lines of the face, it may become inconspicuous with time. It is wise to discuss facial surgery in detail with an experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist in order to avoid undesirable scarring.
In particular, be very cautious about having skin surgery if you have a personal or family history of pathological scarring, such as keloids. Ask your surgeon for more details about this condition as it is difficult to treat once it has occurred.
I have a soft lesion under the skin that I have been told is a 'fatty' lump. Will removing it leave a big scar?
Fatty lumps (lipomas) are very common. They vary in size, from a large pea to an area larger than the palm of the hand. They may require an ultrasound or other type of scan when they involve the deeper layers under the skin, but in general can be diagnosed on examination by a surgeon.
Although normal excision methods may be required, at LPSA we can use liposuction to remove these lesions, which leaves a very small scar that is often imperceptible.
I have a history of sun exposure, and sustained severe sunburn as a child. Am I at risk of skin cancer?
Certain forms of skin cancer are more prevalent in patients whose skin has received prolonged exposure to the sun. At the first sign of concern, contact your doctor or plastic surgeon who will advise you about what signs to look for. Have someone check your back occasionally, and do not wait to see if things get better if you notice a lesion that does not seem to heal.
I have a dark mole that has been present for a long time, but now seems to be getting bigger. Does it need to be removed?
Many of us have numerous pigmented lesions on our skin, most of which are completely safe to leave alone. Occasionally, the characteristics of a lesion may change, and it needs to be examined by a doctor to exclude malignancy. Some lesions may need to be excised and sent for histological assessment.
If you are concerned about any pigmented skin lesion that you are increasingly 'aware of', whether because of itching or change in colour, you should contact a doctor immediately.