Skin Care Solutions for Lipomas, Cysts and Moles
A variety of growths that can appear on the body can cause us to be self-conscious, interfere with movement, or even indicate a looming medical problem. Three of the most common forms of these growths are lipomas, cysts and moles. You can feel confident consulting a board certified dermatologist to answer your questions and treat these conditions. People from Fanwood, Cranford, Clark, and throughout Union County and the rest of northern New Jersey call on Dr. Richie Lin at Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills for help with these and other skin conditions. Here are a few basic facts about them everyone should know:
Lipomas are benign – that is, non-cancerous - growths made of fat tissue. They often appear as soft, mobile, painless bumps that can be felt underneath the skin. Most lipomas are small, but they can grow to several centimeters in size. Regardless of their size or location, they are harmless, and generally have no health consequences. Treatment of lipomas is not necessary, unless the growth becomes painful or restricts movement. In rare occasions, removal of lipomas is performed to ensure they are not a malignant growth. Small lipomas can be surgically removed in the office under local anesthesia, followed by several stitches. Larger lipomas may require removal in an ambulatory surgery center under general anesthesia.
Cysts, also known as epidermal inclusion cysts or “sebaceous” cysts, are small growths – actually, closed sacs that contain fluid or solid material - that occur underneath the skin surface. These skin growths are benign, but they may be complicated by inflammation, infection, or grow large enough to cause deformity. Cysts may be surgically removed to avoid problems such as inflammation and infection, or to improve cosmetic appearance. Treatment options for cysts include injections or a variety of surgical removal techniques. The best plan of action is determined upon evaluation of the cyst.
As an expert in skin structure and function, a board certified dermatologist can determine your best course of action.
Moles are benign growths on the skin that are proliferations of melanocytes, the pigment cells in our skin. They are usually a shade of brown, pink or flesh colored. Many people also use the term mole to describe freckles, skin tags, sunspots, age spots and seborrheic keratoses. Moles can occur anywhere on the skin, but are commonly found in sun-exposed areas. Most appear during adolescence and young adulthood. It is normal to have several dozen by the time we hit our 20's. Over years, even benign moles change slowly in size, color and shape. Some can even disappear with time. The overwhelming majority of moles are not dangerous. Determining which moles are symptoms of skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer) and which are benign is a daunting task. Individuals with suspicious findings or with a personal or family history of skin cancer should have moles evaluated by a board certified dermatologist at regular intervals. Your dermatologist may choose to perform a full skin exam (skin cancer screening) if he or she feels you are at risk. If a lesion is suspicious for skin cancer, your dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy. Mole removal may also be performed for cosmetic reasons, and can be done surgically or with lasers.
If you have questions or concerns about lipomas, cysts or moles, seek the expertise of an experienced, board certified dermatologist. If you live in Chatham, Berkeley Heights, Morristown, or anywhere in northern New Jersey, and are interested in evaluation and possibly removal of a skin growth, please e-mail or call Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills at 973-232-6245 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lin.