Have you ever received a stork bite? Are you the proud recipient of angel kisses? Do you have any idea what we’re talking about? Maybe if you keep reading, you’ll be able to answer these questions.
Overview
Birthmarks and moles are common skin growths that can appear at birth or develop later in life. While most are harmless, their appearance can sometimes cause concern or discomfort. Understanding the different types of birthmarks and moles, their causes, and the available treatment options can help you make informed decisions about managing these skin conditions.
What is a Non-Cancerous Skin Growth?
Non-cancerous skin growths include a variety of lesions that are generally harmless but can be cosmetically unappealing. Here are some basic medical terms to understand these growths:
- Hyperpigmented: Appears darker than surrounding skin due to increased melanin (skin pigment cells).
- Hyperkeratotic: Thickened, scaly skin due to an accumulation of keratin (a protective protein).
- Macule: A flat, hyperpigmented area less than 10mm in diameter.
- Papule: A raised, hyperpigmented area greater than 10mm in diameter.
Common Non-Cancerous Skin Lesions
- Birthmarks: Present at birth and typically flat. They can be either vascular or pigmented.
- Moles: Develop as we age due to genetic predisposition, not environmental exposures. They are raised clusters of hyperpigmented cells, sometimes with hair.
- Skin Tags: Also known as acrochordons, they typically develop in areas of friction (underarms, skin folds). They are benign and can be flat or raised.
- Seborrheic Keratoses: Benign, hyperpigmented, hyperkeratotic lesions that develop with age, often having a “stuck on” appearance.
- Lentigines: Hyperpigmented spots that develop over time, commonly in sun-exposed areas. Liver spots fall under this category.
Causes of Non-Cancerous Skin Growths
Most non-cancerous skin lesions have a genetic component. Birthmarks and moles, for example, are largely determined by genetics. Skin tags may have a genetic component but are also associated with obesity and type two diabetes mellitus. Seborrheic keratoses and lentigines are generally related to aging and sun exposure.
Birthmarks
Vascular Birthmarks
- Angel Kisses (Stork Bites, Salmon Patches): Small pink or red spots, often on the eyelids, back of the neck, or between the eyes. Harmless and often fade with age.
- Port-Wine Stains: Abnormal growth patterns of blood vessels, usually on the face and neck. They are pink or red initially but often turn dark purple. They do not fade and can become more prominent.
- Strawberry Hemangiomas: Bright red, rubbery birthmarks that develop within the first few weeks of life. They often fade with age, with many children losing them completely by age 10.
Pigmented Birthmarks
- Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (CMN): Moles present at birth, light brown to tan. Genetically determined.
- Mongolian Blue Spots: Flat, blue-grey spots, often on the lower back or buttocks of young children. Typically fade by age four.
- Café au Lait Spots: Light brown spots with irregular borders, darkening with sun exposure. Multiple spots can indicate neurofibromatosis.
Moles
Types of Moles
- Congenital Moles: Present at birth, light brown to tan.
- Acquired Moles: Develop during childhood into early adulthood, usually brown. Risk factors include fair skin, red hair, blue eyes, and difficulty tanning.
- Atypical Moles (Dysplastic Nevi): Moles with unusual morphology, associated with a higher risk of melanoma, especially with a family history of melanoma.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are benign skin growths that commonly appear in high friction areas like the eyelids, neck, upper chest, and underarms. They protrude from the skin, connected by a thin stalk. While their exact cause is unknown, they are associated with obesity, type two diabetes mellitus, and areas of high skin friction.
Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses are waxy, “stuck on” hyperpigmented lesions that multiply with age. They are one of the most common skin lesions in the aging population. Although their exact cause is unknown, they may be related to sun exposure and genetics.
Lentigines
Lentigines are flat, hyperpigmented lesions that increase with age and sun exposure. Commonly found on the face, back of the neck, upper chest, and the backs of the hands, they are often referred to as liver spots.
Candidates for Benign Skin Growth Removal
The decision to remove non-cancerous skin growths is personal and based on aesthetic preferences. Removal can enhance appearance and boost confidence, especially for lesions in visible or awkward locations.
Birthmark Removal
Vascular Birthmarks
- Laser Resurfacing: Uses ablative or non-ablative lasers to break apart pigment cells or blood vessels.
- Light Therapy (IPL): Degrades abnormal blood vessels and pigment cells.
- Surgical Excision: Involves removing the birthmark tissue.
Pigmented Birthmarks
- Laser Resurfacing: Effective for breaking apart pigment cells.
- Light Therapy (IPL): Helps reduce the appearance of pigmented birthmarks.
- Surgical Excision: Removes the birthmark tissue permanently.
Mole Removal
Congenital Moles
- Laser Resurfacing: Helps diminish the appearance of congenital moles.
- Light Therapy (IPL): Effective for treating moles.
- Surgical Excision: Removes the mole tissue.
Acquired Moles
- Laser Resurfacing: Reduces the appearance of acquired moles.
- Light Therapy (IPL): Treats moles effectively.
- Surgical Excision: Permanently removes mole tissue.
Atypical Moles
- Surgical Excision: Important for further evaluation due to the risk of melanoma.
Skin Tag Removal
Skin tags can be removed using cryotherapy, ablative CO2 laser, and ablative erbium laser treatments. These simple procedures effectively remove skin tags.
Seborrheic Keratoses Removal
Seborrheic keratoses can be removed using shave excision, cryotherapy, ablative CO2 laser, and ablative erbium laser treatments. These methods are effective and relatively simple.
Lentigines Removal
Lentigines can be treated using shave excision, cryotherapy, ablative CO2 laser, and ablative erbium laser treatments. These procedures help restore the skin’s appearance.
Conclusion
Birthmarks, moles, and other non-cancerous skin growths are common and generally harmless. However, they can cause cosmetic concerns. Various treatments are available to remove or reduce the appearance of these lesions, enhancing both appearance and confidence. Consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs. Regular skin exams and monitoring any changes in your skin lesions are crucial for maintaining skin health.
