Benign Skin Lesions

If you have concerns about a mole (naevus) being cancerous, then you should consult your GP who will be able to refer you urgently to your local NHS dermatology or plastic surgery department. Removal of moles for purely cosmetic reasons is not routinely offered under the NHS.

A plastic surgeon is well trained and able to offer removal of moles in a way that gives you the best cosmetic outcome. Plastic surgeons are usually asked to remove skin lesions that are in cosmetically sensitive areas such as around the eyes, nose, face and lips. Additionally, plastic surgeons are used to dealing with both benign lesions and skin cancers and will usually be able to distinguish between the two on clinical grounds.

Cysts are common, and removal can be performed under a local anaesthetic. Cysts may become enlarged and infected and require antibiotics or surgical drainage as an emergency. They are best removed while relatively small and when they are not actively infected.

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, non-cancerous growths that appear on the skin in areas where it folds or rubs against itself, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. These lesions are usually flesh-colored or slightly pigmented and are not harmful or painful. However, they can be a cosmetic concern or cause discomfort if they get irritated by clothing or jewelry. Although skin tags are common and generally not a health threat, many people choose to have them removed for aesthetic reasons or to alleviate any physical discomfort they may cause.

Lipomas are non-cancerous growths that develop in the soft tissues of the body and are primarily composed of fat cells. They usually appear as painless, soft, and movable lumps under the skin, commonly found on the neck, back, or shoulders. Lipomas come in different sizes and grow slowly, posing minimal health risks. However, they can cause discomfort or be a cosmetic concern for some people. Although lipomas are not typically dangerous, they are often removed for diagnostic purposes, symptom relief, or aesthetic reasons, using safe and effective surgical procedures.

Seborrheic keratoses are common non-cancerous skin growths that usually appear in middle-aged and older adults. They are raised, often rough, lesions that vary in colour and size from light tan to black. Although they are completely benign and not a sign of skin cancer, they can be a cosmetic concern, especially when they appear on highly visible areas such as the face, chest, and back. While they do not require medical treatment, many choose to have them removed due to their appearance or if they become irritated by clothing or jewellery.