Everything You Need To Know About Benign Skin Tumors

Benign skin tumors are a group of diseases that can have different origins. Their classification is often based on the area in which they occur, their size, color, distribution and symptoms. In any case, they do not cause major problems beyond the aesthetic effect. In the lines below, you will find out everything you need to know about benign skin tumors.

According to an article published in the Journal of Skin and Aesthetic Surgery , these changes occur when there is a proliferation of one or more components of the skin. And, although they are usually not serious, you should consult your dermatologist so that they can evaluate them. Want to know more about this topic? Keep reading!

About benign skin tumors

Like all neoplasms, a benign tumor is a mass of abnormal cells. However, what differentiates it from malignant tumors is that it does not have the ability to damage tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

This type of tumor lesions is surrounded by a protective capsule that facilitates extraction. Blood tests, imaging studies (such as x-rays) or biopsies can clarify the type of tumor: malignant or benign.

Types of benign skin tumors

Dermatofibroma, also known as “fibrous histiocytoma”, is one of the most common skin lesions. In fact, it represents about 3% of the samples received by dermatopathology laboratories.

If classical clinical and pathological features are present, the diagnosis is simple. Dermatofibroma is more common in middle-aged adults and has a slight predominance in female patients. It is often located on the extremities and appears in the form of small, raised, hyperkeratotic nodules of the skin with a reddish-brown surface.

Lipoma

Patients suffering from lipoma often complain of the presence of a soft and mobile mass of tissue, which can be felt under the skin. Lipoma is often painless, unless it invades the joints, nerves or blood vessels.

In general, lipoma is a benign entity and does not present a risk of malignant transformation; the prognosis is very good. Once removed, it generally does not reappear. However, the fibrous capsule surrounding the lipoma must be completely removed to prevent its recurrence.

myoma

Leiomyomas are benign tumors that occur in smooth muscle and are most often seen in the uterine myometrium, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and lower extremities of middle-aged women.

Clinically, connective tissue tumors, such as fibroids and lipomas, may have symptoms similar to those of leiomyoma; therefore, a differential diagnosis must be made.

Osteochondromas are common; they represent 20 to 50% of all benign bone tumors. They can be single or multiple. The solitary form has a good prognosis, and the malignant transformation occurs in 1% of cases.

In addition, most solitary lesions are small and asymptomatic. However, the diagnosis and treatment of this condition requires the collaboration of various health professions.

Nevi are pigmented skin lesions that can occur at birth. They become malignant over time due to excessive sun exposure without adequate protection. In addition to evaluating the characteristics of a pigmented lesion, there are specific dermatoscopic models to guide the diagnosis.

We recommend that you use sunscreen and self-examine to avoid the development of melanoma. We also recommend that you avoid going to the solarium.

Symptoms of benign tumors

In most cases, when patients go to the doctor, the diagnosis is established by an excisional biopsy. Some benign tumors may recur after incomplete excision.

In addition, many of the nodules that surgeons remove cannot be examined by pathological anatomy, and in those where there is a possibility, they can be reported as benign skin tumors without other characterizations.

According to the American Family Physician, any lesion with an uncertain diagnosis needs a biopsy and a histopathological examination to rule out malignancy.

What are the therapeutic options?

The treatment of benign tumors is usually required for aesthetic reasons. If necessary, it ranges from a simple surgical excision for single lesions or multiple tumors that do not respond to other treatments, to Mohs micrographic surgery for lesions in critical anatomical locations.

There are also physical ways of excision that the attending physician will evaluate based on the scars or the type of healing of the affected person. Some of the treatment options are:

It is important to consult a dermatologist for benign skin tumors

It is true that benign tumors do not usually cause major problems. Although they look different, they are not a danger. Even so, it is important to go to a dermatologist for a consultation, because you should not rule out the presence of other more serious problems from the start.

Fortunately, there are currently a wide variety of therapeutic options to eliminate these tumors when they are an aesthetic problem. The doctor will be the one who will guide you to the best alternative!