Warts, skin tags, moles, lipoma (fatty lumps) and cysts are all visible concerns that appear on the skin’s surface. Lipoma and cysts will rise up from under the skin, whereas skin tags and warts develop on or hang from the surface. These usually have a similar tone to the natural colour of the skin, with the texture either being smooth, or slightly bumpy.
Moles can have the widest range of differences from person to person, as they can appear in various sizes, and may or may not lie flat with the skin. Moles will have a different colour from the skin, usually being pink or brown in colour, and can be darker and larger than freckles.
A lump, bump or lesion can appear for a number of reasons, and in many cases they don’t cause the body any harm. For most people it’s the appearance of one of these formations that causes the concern, as well as being at risk from getting caught on clothing or jewellery.
There is no definite cause known for the development of a lipoma, however, it is thought that genetics may play a part – especially when a person develops multiple lipomas. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is what causes the development of a wart, when an excess of keratin builds up in the top layer of the skin. Like other viruses, it can spread to other areas which is why many affected people often develop a cluster of warts. A cyst is a sac-like structure that forms beneath the skin. It is filled with a liquid or gaseous material which is likely to have developed from infected tissue. Although most cysts are harmless, some larger ones can displace internal organs or may be cancerous. Skin tags are the result of the skin rubbing together causing extra cells to grow. It is for this reason that they more commonly appear in the armpits and around the neck. Melanocyte cells in the body are where melanin (the skin’s pigment) is produced. Moles are formed when these cells grow in a cluster, instead of spreading out around the body. They are usually harmless, but if they change shape, size or colour, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
At Chester Cosmetic Surgery Miss Breahna will assess any lump, bump or skin lesion at a thorough pre-treatment consultation before recommending the most suitable treatment option. Patients often request a complete removal of the said irregularity, where the appropriate excision procedure will be performed. The lesion will then be sent away for a histopathological examination in the lab.