Benign Skin Tumors

Nevi (moles), seborrheic keratosis, epidermoid cyst, dermatofibroma, lipoma, dermoid cyst, lentigo, pyogenic granuloma, verruca, milia, pilar cyst, syringoma, etc. The number of benign skin tumors can be expressed in hundreds. Therefore, rather than discussing what these tumors are, I want to talk about the general approach. If a lesion does not show growth, does not change color, does not bleed, crust, or itch, and has a regular border, it is highly likely to be benign. Whether a tumor is benign or malignant can be definitively determined by pathological examination, but an experienced doctor can largely make this distinction without the need for pathology. It should be remembered that the most effective branches to determine whether a mass found on the skin is benign or malignant are Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery or Dermatology. Therefore, I recommend that you have any group you think is well-behaved examined by an expert and take their advice into consideration.

If benign skin tumors show signs such as growth, bleeding, persistent itching, or irregular shape, surgical removal and pathological examination are absolutely necessary. Surgical removal of benign skin tumors is not required outside of these changes. However, if they cause visual or aesthetic discomfort, they can be removed at the patient’s request. Removal has no harmful effects. The common saying that “removing it will cause more problems” is completely unscientific and incorrect. When a benign skin tumor is surgically removed, the only thing that happens is that you get rid of the tumor; nothing else.

Nodules

Swellings under the skin that can be felt as hard or soft are commonly called nodules. Relatively larger ones are called lumps. Medically, there are many different lesions that manifest as swelling under the skin. Among these, the most common swellings are lymph node swellings, lipomas (fat lumps), and sebaceous cysts (fat cysts). In addition to these, many diseases, ranging from benign tumors to rarer cancers, can manifest as subcutaneous swellings. While subcutaneous nodules are largely due to benign diseases, they can be a symptom of cancers with serious consequences, including life-threatening complications. Therefore, we should not hesitate to see a doctor when we encounter subcutaneous swellings. Neglecting and delaying examination can lead to irreversible consequences. Early diagnosis makes it possible to treat many serious diseases, including cancer.

Since lymph nodes are very different lesions, their causes also vary depending on the tissues from which they originate. Diagnostic, follow-up, and treatment approaches also differ. Although subcutaneous lymph nodes are diverse, common principles are applied in diagnosis and follow-up. Accordingly, many swellings can be diagnosed by experienced physicians through physical examination. If necessary, a superficial ultrasound is performed. Rarely, a CT scan or MRI may be required. Nevertheless, in rare cases, there may be lymph nodes for which a definitive diagnosis cannot be made. In these cases, the entire lymph node is surgically removed for diagnostic purposes and sent for pathological examination, or a biopsy is taken using various methods for diagnostic purposes and also sent to pathology. Depending on the results, necessary surgical interventions are performed later.

Lipoma

Commonly known as a fatty lump, it is, as the name suggests, a mass originating from fatty tissue. It can be found anywhere on the body, under the skin or in deeper tissues. It can be single or multiple. It is usually well-defined and soft, and can be moved from side to side under the skin when pressed. Its size can vary from a few millimeters to 5-10 centimeters. Rarely, it can be larger. Larger ones can be confused with liposarcoma, a type of cancer of the fatty tissue. Lipomas are often diagnosed through physical examination; in suspected cases, imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI are used for diagnosis. There is a family history of fatty lumps.

Therefore, it may be seen more frequently in some family members. Suspicious or bothersome lipomas are treated by removal with traditional surgical intervention under local anesthesia. Non-painful fatty lumps are monitored, and if they grow rapidly, they are surgically removed for diagnostic purposes and pathological examination due to suspicion of liposarconia.

Sebaceous Cyst

Called a sebaceous cyst, it is most commonly found on the scalp but can occur in various parts of the body. There may be one or more. It is a round swelling ranging in size from a few millimeters to 5-6 centimeters. If it becomes inflamed, it can cause pain and abscess formation. It is more common in some families due to familial predisposition. It can usually be diagnosed by physical examination. If there is suspicion, a superficial ultrasound or MRI is performed to confirm the diagnosis. It is treated by removal using traditional surgical methods under local anesthesia.

Lymph Nodes

Numerous lymph nodes are located in the subcutaneous tissue along the sides and front of the neck, in the armpits, and around both groins. They are only palpable when enlarged for various reasons. They can grow up to several centimeters, and may be partially soft or hard and fixed in place. Enlargement is often caused by inflammatory diseases in the area. Lymph nodes enlarged due to inflammation are usually painful. Less frequently, the spread of cancer or cancer of the lymph node itself can also cause enlargement. These are painless. Since almost all types of cancer initially spread to the nearest lymph nodes, lymph nodes are of great importance in the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer patients. Diagnosis is made using examination, ultrasound, or other tests and imaging methods. If necessary, surgical removal and pathological examination are performed to reach a definitive diagnosis. Inflammatory lymph node swellings are treated with antibiotics. For others, treatment is applied according to the underlying cause.

Besides these, there are many other less common benign and malignant tumors or cancers that cause swelling and lumps under the skin. All are first examined using the same principle, and if necessary, various tests and imaging methods are used to try to diagnose them. If there is suspicion, they are partially or completely surgically removed for diagnostic purposes and sent for pathological examination.

As seen, while most swellings and lumps under the skin are benign, some can be life-threatening cancers or nodules where cancer has spread. Early diagnosis is life-saving in such cases, so seeing a doctor as soon as possible is vital. Everyone has moles on their skin. Some are present from birth, others appear later in life. Often, we ignore them because they don’t cause problems. They become bothersome when they are on the face, especially if the moles are large or protruding, because they create an unsightly appearance. After all, our faces are the first place people look.

Moles

The number of moles a person has is determined by their genetic makeup. Skin with more than 100 moles increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Sun exposure plays a significant role in the development of moles. However, these moles tend to reappear later in life. Therefore, it is important to apply sunscreen before sun exposure.

If you have a mole on your face or a visible part of your body that bothers you, you can have it removed. Moles can be removed with radiofrequency ablation or surgical incision, depending on their characteristics. Some moles can also be removed with a laser, but this usually requires more than one procedure. Mole removal takes between 5 and 10 minutes and can be done in a single visit. It needs to be evaluated by a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. After this examination, the surgeon will decide which technique should be used to remove the mole. In general, moles can be removed for the following reasons:

• If it bothers the person

• If it has an aesthetically unpleasing appearance

• If there is a risk of skin cancer

When Can Moles Be Dangerous?

Moles that carry a risk of skin cancer generally vary in size and color. It is very important to follow these points to monitor all the moles you have: Asymmetry: Moles that are not asymmetrical. Border: Moles with unclear borders. Color: Moles that have recently darkened. Diameter: Moles larger than 0.5 cm in diameter or that are growing rapidly.

Raised Moles: Moles with a raised, raised surface. If you notice these symptoms in one or more of your moles, you should consult a dermatologist immediately.

Mole Removal

No pain is felt as local anesthesia is applied before the operation. If the mole is removed with laser-assisted procedures, a numbing cream is applied to the area where the mole is located before the treatment. In mole removal aesthetics, a slight scar may form depending on the depth of the mole and the type of technique used. If the mole is very deep, treatment can be applied in 2 or 3 sessions with intervals of 6 or 8 weeks to avoid scarring. With surgical operation, it is removed in one go. Aesthetic stitches are applied to prevent scarring.

A slight scab may form over the area where the mole was removed. There’s no need to worry. This scab will fall off in 1 or 2 weeks, revealing new skin underneath. It’s very important to wait for the scab to fall off on its own. If your mole was very large and required stitches, you will be asked to return in 2 weeks for the stitches to be removed. Mole removal is a fairly safe procedure. Sometimes, slight bleeding may occur during the procedure, but it can be easily stopped. You may experience slight redness or itching in the area where the mole was removed, which will disappear within a few days. The risk of infection is quite low