Skin Growths: Common Benign and Concerning Skin Growths Evaluated by a Dermatologist
Skin growths are one of the most common reasons people visit a dermatologist. A new bump, mole, lump, or spot on the skin can be harmless—or it can be something that needs closer evaluation.
Many skin growths are benign (non-cancerous), such as skin tags, cysts, lipomas, and cherry angiomas. Others may be bothersome because they itch, bleed, get irritated by clothing, affect appearance, or cause discomfort. Some growths can resemble skin cancer and should be examined by a board-certified dermatologist.
At Aglow Dermatology, Dr. Dina Strachan evaluates skin growths in all skin types, including skin of color, to determine what they are, whether they require treatment, and the safest removal options if needed.
This page serves as a guide to common skin growths and a hub to help you learn more about specific conditions and treatment options.
Not Every Skin Growth Is Dangerous
Skin naturally changes over time. Some growths develop because of aging, genetics, friction, sun exposure, hormones, or viral infections. Others may reflect inflammation, clogged pores, or deeper soft tissue changes.
Common reasons patients seek evaluation include:
- A mole that changed shape or color
- A skin tag that catches on jewelry or clothing
- A lump under the skin that is growing
- A cyst that becomes painful or inflamed
- A wart that spreads or won’t go away
- Dark raised growths on the face or neck
- Small bumps around the eyes that affect appearance
- Bleeding or itchy spots that are concerning
Even when a growth is benign, treatment may still be appropriate for comfort, cosmetic reasons, or diagnostic certainty.
Common Types of Skin Growths
Moles (Nevi)
Moles are common pigmented growths made of melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. Most moles are harmless, but some can change over time and require evaluation for melanoma or other skin cancers.
Warning signs include:
- Asymmetry
- Irregular borders
- Multiple colors
- Large size
- Evolution or change over time
Some moles are present at birth (congenital nevi), while others develop later.
Skin Tags (Acrochordons)
Skin tags are soft, flesh-colored growths commonly found on the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, and under the breasts.
They are often associated with:
- Friction
- Weight gain
- Insulin resistance
- Pregnancy
- Genetics
They are harmless but may become irritated or cosmetically bothersome.
Warts (Verruca)
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear on the hands, feet, face, or genital area.
They may be:
- Rough and raised
- Painful on pressure points like the feet
- Flat or smooth on the face
- Persistent or spreading
Treatment may include cryotherapy, prescription medication, chemical treatments, or destruction.
Cysts
Epidermoid cysts are common, slow-growing lumps under the skin caused by trapped keratin.
They may:
- Feel firm or movable
- Become inflamed or infected
- Drain foul-smelling material
- Return if not fully removed
Treatment depends on symptoms and may include drainage, injection, or surgical excision.
Lipomas
Lipomas are soft, rubbery fatty growths that develop beneath the skin. They are benign and often painless.
They commonly occur on:
- Back
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Neck
- Thighs
Painful lipomas may represent angiolipomas. Some people have multiple lipomas due to family history or genetic syndromes.
Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas are bright red vascular growths made of small blood vessels. They often increase with age.
They are:
- Common
- Benign
- Sometimes prone to bleeding if irritated
Treatment is usually cosmetic and may involve laser or electrosurgery.
Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses are common benign growths that can look waxy, rough, stuck-on, or raised.
Patients often mistake them for moles or skin cancer.
They may be:
- Tan, brown, or black
- Flat or raised
- Itchy or irritated
Removal may be done with cryotherapy, curettage, or hyfrecation depending on the lesion.
Seborrheic keratosis treatment
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN)
Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a variant of seborrheic keratosis commonly seen in people with darker skin tones.
These small dark raised bumps often appear on:
- Face
- Neck
- Upper chest
Because treatment in skin of color requires special care to avoid hyperpigmentation or scarring, expertise matters.
Hydrocystomas Around the Eyes
Hydrocystomas are small cystic growths near the eyelids caused by blocked sweat glands.
They may appear as:
- Clear or bluish bumps
- Smooth, dome-shaped lesions
- Small growths around the eyes
Because of the delicate location, removal requires precision.
Eyelid lesion removal
Syringomas
Syringomas are small benign sweat gland growths that commonly appear around the lower eyelids.
They are:
- Skin-colored or yellowish
- Small and firm
- Often multiple
They are harmless but commonly treated for cosmetic reasons.
Syringoma treatment
How Skin Growths Are Removed
Treatment depends on the diagnosis, size, location, symptoms, and your skin type.
Options may include:
- Surgical excision
- Shave removal
- Laser treatment
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
- Hyfrecation (electrosurgery)
- Curettage
- Injections for inflamed cysts
- Observation when treatment is not necessary
The right treatment depends on both safety and cosmetic outcome—especially for visible areas like the face and around the eyes.
Why Skin of Color Expertise Matters
Some removal techniques can increase the risk of:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Hypopigmentation
- Keloids
- Visible scarring
Patients with darker skin tones benefit from a dermatologist experienced in treating skin growths safely while minimizing pigment changes and scarring.
Dr. Dina Strachan is a board-certified dermatologist with extensive expertise in treating patients of all skin tones, including skin of color.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Growths
Changes in color, size, shape, bleeding, pain, or rapid growth should be evaluated. Some harmless growths can look like skin cancer, so professional diagnosis matters.
Yes. Even harmless growths may be removed for comfort, cosmetic concerns, irritation, or diagnostic certainty.
Skin tags can be associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, but having skin tags does not automatically mean you have diabetes.
Some may remain stable for years, while others become inflamed, infected, or continue growing. Complete removal is often needed to prevent recurrence.
Most lipomas are benign and harmless. Rapid growth, pain, firmness, or deeper tissue involvement may require further evaluation.
Seborrheic keratoses themselves are benign and do not become cancer, but skin cancer can sometimes resemble them, so proper diagnosis is important.
Yes—when performed by an experienced dermatologist who understands how to minimize pigment changes and scarring.
Schedule an Evaluation for a Skin Growth
If you have a new bump, changing mole, painful cyst, or skin growth that concerns you, don’t guess—get it evaluated.
At Aglow Dermatology in New York City, we diagnose and treat a wide range of skin growths, from harmless cosmetic concerns to lesions that require urgent attention.
Whether your concern is medical, cosmetic, or both, we will help you understand what it is and the safest options for treatment.
Call today to schedule your skin growth evaluation with Dr. Dina Strachan.