/sc-assets/prd/practices/8abe1054-9d3d-4aa1-9f0c-185218a2a3c5/AdobeStock_1431985914 (1).jpeg)
Bumps, lumps, and spots on the skin are common and often harmless, but they can sometimes raise questions or concerns. These changes may develop for various reasons — from everyday friction to sun exposure or aging. If you notice unusual skin growths, contact Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery in Sun City West and Sun City, Arizona. Seth Goodman, DO, and Matt Goodman, MD, have the expertise to understand what causes them and provide treatment if necessary. Book an appointment today by phone or online.
/sc-assets/prd/practices/8abe1054-9d3d-4aa1-9f0c-185218a2a3c5/AdobeStock_624247016.jpeg)
What are skin growths?
Skin growths are areas of the skin that look different from the surrounding tissue. They can appear as bumps, lumps, spots, or patches, and may vary in size, shape, color, and texture. Some are flat, while others are raised.
Common types include:
Moles
Warts
Skin tags
Cysts
Benign tumors
Dermatofibroma
Keratosis pilaris
Cherry hemangioma
Lipoma
Seborrheic keratosis
While many are harmless, others may be signs of an underlying condition, including skin cancer.
How do skin growths develop?
Skin growths can develop for various reasons. Some are caused by an overgrowth of skin cells or changes in skin pigmentation. Others result from infections, clogged pores, hormonal changes, sun exposure, or aging. For example, warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), while skin tags often appear due to friction from skin rubbing together.
Genetics also plays a role — many people inherit a tendency to develop moles or cysts. Sun damage is a key factor in the development of certain growths, particularly those that are precancerous or cancerous.
/sc-assets/prd/practices/8abe1054-9d3d-4aa1-9f0c-185218a2a3c5/AdobeStock_415129696.jpeg)
Are all skin growths a health concern?
Not all skin growths are dangerous. Many are benign (noncancerous) and don’t require treatment unless they become irritated, infected, or cosmetically bothersome. However, some growths may be precancerous or cancerous, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma.
Warning signs of potentially concerning growths include rapid changes in size, irregular borders, multiple colors, bleeding, or itching. Make an appointment with the Goodman Dermatology team to have new or changing growths evaluated, especially if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer.
How are skin growths treated?
Treatment depends on the type of growth and whether it's causing discomfort or poses a health risk.
Benign growths like skin tags and warts can often be removed through simple in-office procedures such as cryotherapy (freezing), excision (cutting), or laser therapy. Infected cysts may need to be drained, and non-infected cysts may be surgically removed.
If you have a suspicious growth for cancer, your provider performs a biopsy to determine the diagnosis. Malignant growths are typically treated with surgical removal, and in some cases, you may need additional treatments like topical medications, radiation, or chemotherapy. Regular skin checks can help catch and treat problematic growths early.
Book an appointment today for a skin evaluation at Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery. Call or use the convenient online scheduling feature.