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Skin Disorders (Home) > Benign Skin Tumors “A spontaneous growth of tissue which forms an abnormal mass is called a tumor. A tumor that is noninvasive and noncancerous is referred to as a benign tumor.” - Medline Plus web site, June 2006 Benign skin tumors are actually quite common, though many who have benign skin tumors may not even realize it. Most kinds of benign skin tumors are referred to by other names, less-frightening sounding names. In any case, there’s nothing to worry about it when it comes to benign skin tumors. Only in very rare cases do these benign tumors go on to become malignant, or cancerous, tumors. What Kinds of Benign Skin Tumors Are There? As already stated, benign skin tumors are called by many other names. There are many types of skin disorders which may result in the forming of a benign skin tumor. The operative word is “benign” – it can’t really hurt you. Cherry angiomas are one type of benign skin tumor. There are legions, and strike up to fifty per cent of adults. These benign tumors form in round, bright to dark red bumps and usually increase with age. There are no symptoms associated with cherry angiomas, and there have been no clinical consequences observed. Sebaceous hyperplasia occur in older adults, and rarely can occur during puberty. These benign tumors are dome-shaped, soft to the touch, and yellow in color. They commonly occur on the face and stay smaller than five centimeters in size. This condition is not at all harmful and does not become malignant. For cosmetic reasons, most people have sebaceous hyperplasia surgically removed. The most common kind of benign skin tumor is the dermoid cyst. These cysts usually occur in women and grow on the ovary itself. Rarely, these cysts can occur in the brain. A fairly common surgical procedure can remove dermoid cysts. They do not become malignant and, while they can cause some discomfort, there are no symptoms associated with these types of benign tumors. Seborrheic Keratoses are the most common skin lesion. More common in older patients who have suffered sun exposure, these lesions appear tan or black in color and can be confused with skin cancer. However, seborrheic keratoses are very superficial skin lesions and can usually be removed with little or no scarring in a very uncomplicated procedure. Treatment of Benign Skin Tumors If you suspect that you have a benign skin tumor, or some other skin disorder, you should consult with a physician. Even treating benign skin tumors on your own can cause lesions to spread, flake, bleed, become infected, or get irritated. Benign skin tumors can be easily removed in an outpatient surgical procedure that takes only a few moments, and are best treated by trained professionals. Because benign skin tumors can often be mistaken for malignant growths, it’s best to have a doctor carefully examine any skin disorders you may have. It is very hard to self-diagnose any kind of skin disorder, so a physician should always be consulted. Even in very rare cases when skin disorders turn out to be malignant or potentially malignant, removal is generally easy and painless. There is no reason to live with a benign skin tumor, which can be unsightly and a source of worry. For your own peace of mind, have these disorders checked just to be sure that what you are dealing with is, in fact, benign. Summary No one wants to be told that they have a tumor. When the word “tumor” is on the table at the doctor’s office, the word “benign” gets forgotten. But what does having a benign skin tumor mean to you?
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