Non-cancerous Growths

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Index


  1. •Solar lentigenes

  2. •Seborrhoeic keratoses

  3. •Skin tags

  4. •Dermatosis papulosa nigrans

  5. •Cherry angiomas (Campbell de Morgan spots)

  6. •Keratoacanthoma


Solar lentigenes


Lentigenes are flat brown spots found in sun-exposed areas eg. backs of the hands, shoulders and face.  They are sometimes referred to as sun spots, although the term sun spots usually refer to solar keratoses.  Solar lentigenes are benign whereas solar keratoses are pre-cancerous.










solar lentigenes on the hand



Seborrhoeic keratoses


These are yellowish to brown to black growths on the skin, not related to sun exposure or to any particular skin type.  They are best removed by shave excision although electrocautery or liquid nitrogen could also be used.  These tumours have a stuck-on appearance and are sometimes confused for melanomas.


 
Seborrhoeic keratoses - successful treatment with shave excision
A seborrhoeic keratosis on the cheek


Skin tags


Skin tags are soft growths usually found around the neck, armpits, groins and around the eyes.  The are removed with EMLA and electrocautery.

skin tags on the left upper and lower eyelids
skin tags on the neck
skin tags on right axilla


Dermatosis papulosa nigrans (DPNs)


These are tiny dark coloured bumps paricularly numerous around the eyes, the cheeks, temples and neck.  They are anaesthetised  with EMLA cream and cauterised.  More than 50 can be treated at a time.


DPNs around the eyes.


Cherry angiomas (Campbell de Morgan spots)


These are collections of blood vessels producing bright red bumps on the skin.  They are removed by means of electrocautery, with the IPL, or Pulse Dye Laser.

Cherry angiomas - left side immediately after cauterising.
Cherry angiomas on the back


Keratoacanthoma (KA)


A keratoacanthoma is a rapidly growing benign tumour (non-cancerous) which is quite symmetrical (rounded) with a well defined margin.  Its centre is filled with hard, whitish, scaly substance (keratin). A KA must be distinguished from a squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer).  The latter grows much more slowly and is not as regular in its shape.


A KA on the left shoulder.  This tumour grew within a 5 month period to a size of 1.5 cm.  
KA showing regular rounded appearance with keratin in centre.  3 months duration.