Three Noncancerous Skin Growths: Lipoma, Hemangioma, and Dermatofibroma

Various types of cells that accumulate and have a different appearance from the skin that surrounds the accumulation is called skin growths or skin tumors. If the growth or tumor does not spread to other body parts and is controlled, the tumor is said to be noncancerous, or benign. Skin growths that are not controlled and which do spread to other parts of the body, invading normal tissue, are malignant, meaning that they are cancerous. There are various types of benign skin growths, each having different symptoms, causes, and treatments. They include the lipoma, hemangioma, dermatofibroma, mole, skin tag, port-wine stain, lymphangioma, pyogenic granuloma, spider angioma, seborrheic wart, keratoacanthoma, keloid, and the epidermal cyst. While it's always advisable to consult with a physician whenever skin growths appear to find out for sure whether they are benign or malignant, it's also a good idea to be educated about one's health condition instead of putting total and blind trust in doctors.

The Lipoma

A lipoma is a soft deposit of fatty substances that develop under the skin, forming round or oval-shaped lumps. Doctors do not know the causes of lipomas or most other skin growths; however, they can usually recognize them with ease and without performing tests. Lipomas can grow to a size of 2 or 3 inches across, vary in firmness, are covered by skin that appears normal, typically form on the back of the neck, the forearms, and the torso; and occur more frequently in females than in males.

Generally, lipomas don't cause other health problems, but they can cause some discomfort if they develop very close to a nerve. Again, they are noncancerous skin growths. People who suffer from them are advised to consult with their physician concerning lipoma removal options.

The Hemangioma

The prefix "hema" refers to the blood; hemangiomas are abnormal overgrowth of the blood vessels. It's not surprising that they appear as reddish or purple lumps in the skin. There are two types of hemangiomas: superficial and deep. A superficial hemangioma develops on or near the skin's surface, usually on the torso, appearing as irregularly-shaped patches of raised, red bumps or red swellings. Because a deep hemangioma can occur deep within the skin, they can form a purple bulge or, if very deep, the color can be that of flesh. Superficial hemangiomas can reach sizes up to 3 inches and deep ones up to 2 inches. Most develop shortly after birth and tend to disappear with age, but a slight discoloration or scar might remain.

The Dermatofibroma

When the protein collagen accumulates in the soft tissues under the skin, bumps that range in color from red to brown, called dermatofibromas, can appear. Any type of trauma (injury), insect bites and stings; and lacerations (cuts) can lead to the development of dermatofibromas which are more commonly seen in women than in men. They are not typically treated unless they continue to grow or cause discomfort. Again, dermatofibromas are benign or noncancerous skin growths. It's very important to keep in mind that some benign tumors can develop into malignant ones.

source:

The Merck Manual of Medical Information (second home edition)