Skin lumps and bumps are quite common, and most people will develop them over their lifetime. Skin growths can be flat or raised and range in color from deep red and flesh-colored to dark brown. The vast majority of these growths-- including skin tags, moles, epidermoid cysts, and lipomas-- are benign and can easily be removed during a simple in-office procedure.
Our board-certified dermatologists specialize in skin growth removal and can suggest the best method after a thorough examination and diagnosis. If you’ve discovered a bump or lump on your skin that is uncomfortable, irritating, or just unsightly, you don’t have to live with it. Here at Dallas Dermatology Partners, we take great care in all skin bump removal procedures, ensuring our patients achieve the best aesthetic outcome.
In-office skin growth removal
While it can be tempting to try home remedies to remove pesky skin tags and other bumps, these may result in bleeding, scarring, and a deep-seated infection. Whether you want a suspicious growth examined by medical professionals, or are unhappy with how it looks, our skilled dermatologists are here to help. We specialize in identifying and treating conditions of the skin. Most lesions can be removed with non-invasive treatments like electrodessication, shave removal, cryosurgery, laser therapy, and in-office excision.
Causes of skin growths
There are various causes of noncancerous skin growths, and doctors have yet to pinpoint the triggers of many of them. However, some of the primary culprits include:
- Viruses (the human papilloma virus causes warts)
- Natural aging process
- Environmental factors like UV exposure
- Genetics
- Fluctuating hormones
- Systemic disease
Types of skin lesions we treat
- Cherry Angiomas – clusters of blood vessels that look like tiny, cherry-red spots or moles. These benign vascular skin lesions generally increase in size and number with age.
- Epidermoid Cysts – usually result from a blocked pore and are characterized by firm nodules with a central punctum that measures from 0.5-3 centimeters in diameter.
- Lipomas – they are more common in women and are oval or round lumps caused by fatty deposits under the skin. They tend to arise on the torso, neck, and forearms.
- Moles – harmless dark-colored skin growths that usually develop in childhood. Moles are groups of pigment-containing cells and can change over time.
- Molluscum contagiosum – an infection caused by a poxvirus that causes small, raised bumps on different parts of the body. These growths may be pink or flesh-colored and are harmless but can take years to resolve on their own.
- Neurofibromas - noncancerous lumps connected with a genetic disorder that grow on nerves in the body. Superficial neurofibromas appear as bumps under the skin and may cause itching or have no symptoms.
- Seborrheic keratosis – a benign growth that often looks waxy or scaly and is more prevalent in middle-aged and older people. Seborrheic keratoses have a pasted-on look and can be brown, flesh-colored, or grey, or black.
- Skin tags – these small, flesh-colored benign skin growths typically appear on the neck, armpits, and body folds.
- Warts – rough raised skin bumps that are transmitted by a virus and often develop on the fingers, hands, and arms
How do dermatologists remove skin bumps?
Depending on the type and location of skin growth, our dermatologists may remove it using the following techniques:
- Shave or Scissor Excision – A curette or surgical scissors can be used to shave off skin growths, so the tissue is flush with surrounding skin. A topical agent is then applied to stop bleeding. Deeper incisions may need stitches.
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen - Super-cold liquid nitrogen is sprayed on the growth, freezing and destroying the tissue. Cryotherapy is often used to remove warts, actinic keratoses, molluscum, and seborrheic keratosis. Freezing causes minimal discomfort, and the lesions heal within 5-7 days.
- Cauterization - An electric current passes through the targeted area, causing it to burn off. This method prevents bleeding and may be used for growths like skin tags and superficial moles.
Removal of skin lumps and growths in Dallas
Most skin growths are benign and not cause for medical concern. However, it is always best to have lesions examined by a board-certified dermatologist. If you are bothered by the appearance of a mole or other type of lesion-- and interested in skin growth removal-- the team at Dallas Dermatology Partners offers several in-office procedures. Contact us today to schedule a dermatology appointment.