New skin growths commonly develop as a result of sun exposure over time, family history, hormonal influences, and the natural processes that affect our skin. These developments can trigger anxiety, particularly when you’re uncertain whether these changes represent normal aging or indicators of a more serious health concern.
While the majority of newly appearing skin lesions are harmless manifestations of the aging process, knowing when to seek professional medical evaluation can offer reassurance and ensure timely identification of any conditions requiring treatment. Keep reading to learn more about common skin growths and when you should worry about them!
What Causes Skin Growths?
After turning 45, both men and women commonly experience an increased frequency of new skin growth. These developments result from multiple contributing factors, including years of accumulated ultraviolet radiation exposure, shifting hormone levels, and the natural cellular changes that occur as skin ages.
Certain lesions may manifest individually, while others tend to cluster or appear in multiple locations across various body regions. Familiarizing yourself with the defining features of common benign lesions can help you differentiate between typical age-related skin changes and those that may warrant professional evaluation.
Seborrheic Keratosis (SK)
Seborrheic keratoses rank among the most common skin formations that often develop during the middle years of life. They are characterized by their raised, textured appearance that ranges from pink to deep brown.
They are harmless and remarkably common in individuals over 45, regardless of gender, with some people developing just a few while others may accumulate dozens or even hundreds over their lifetime.
The primary concern regarding seborrheic keratoses comes when they develop a deep brown color, as this coloring can occasionally look similar to dangerous melanoma skin cancers. This potential for confusion makes professional assessment by a qualified dermatologist essential for accurate identification and patient reassurance.
Skin Cancer
Any newly developed skin lesion or pre-existing growth that demonstrates alterations in size, shape, pigmentation, or surface characteristics should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist. This is particularly important for lesions that begin bleeding, develop pain, or exhibit irregular boundaries or varied coloration patterns.
Yearly comprehensive skin examinations are typically recommended for all adult patients, with particular emphasis on individuals over 45 or those with elevated skin cancer risk factors. These thorough evaluations allow dermatologists to track existing formations and detect new lesions during their earliest, most treatable stages.
The ability to distinguish between benign skin growths and potentially dangerous skin cancers requires professional medical training and specialized diagnostic equipment. While many skin formations appear concerning to patients, dermatologists can quickly identify which lesions require immediate attention and which represent normal aging changes that pose no health risks.
Skin Tags
Skin tags, medically termed acrochordons, are characterized as soft, flesh-colored growths that predominantly emerge in areas where skin surfaces touch, including the neck region and underarms. These benign formations frequently develop with age and may develop more often during periods of substantial weight fluctuation.
Although generally painless, these growths can occasionally create problems when they become entangled with accessories, garments, or hair, or when they undergo twisting that compromises their blood circulation. Such situations can result in sudden, severe discomfort that may necessitate prompt professional removal.
Age Spots and Melasma
Age spots, also known as solar lentigines, along with melasma, represent common pigmented formations that develop in body areas with significant sun exposure history, such as the face, hands, forearms, and lower legs. These darkened areas affect individuals across all ethnic backgrounds and skin tones, typically becoming more numerous and noticeable as years pass.
The gradual accumulation of these pigmented areas throughout life can create substantial cosmetic concerns for individuals who desire even skin tone and clarity. While these spots generally pose no health risks, you should seek evaluation from your dermatologist of pigmented lesions that change in size, shape, coloration, or texture.
Actinic Keratosis
In contrast to the benign formations previously discussed, actinic keratoses constitute precancerous lesions that demand immediate professional medical attention and treatment intervention. These scaly, rough-textured areas remain persistent for two months or longer without resolution, despite consistent application of moisturizing products.
These lesions initially manifest as pink-colored, sandpaper-like spots approximately the size of small seeds, gradually becoming increasingly tender and potentially painful as time progresses. They characteristically develop in body regions with extensive historical sun exposure, including the entire facial area, nasal surfaces, dorsal hand surfaces, outer forearm areas, and ear tops.
The clinical importance of actinic keratoses stems from their documented potential to transform into squamous cell carcinoma, a form of aggressive skin malignancy. Prompt professional evaluation and treatment intervention by a qualified dermatologist is essential to prevent malignant transformation.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Sebaceous hyperplasia typically develops as small, yellowish-pink facial bumps that may be various sizes throughout monthly cycles, particularly in response to hormonal fluctuations. These small growths are enlarged sebaceous glands that become visible through facial pores and are often more prevalent during menopause when estrogen production declines.
Although sebaceous hyperplasia poses no health risks, these lesions occasionally look similar to basal cell skin cancers. Professional medical evaluation ensures a correct diagnosis and appropriate management recommendations.
Determining the Right Time for Dermatological Evaluation
Any newly developed skin lesion or pre-existing growth that demonstrates alterations in size, shape, pigmentation, or surface characteristics should receive evaluation from a dermatologist. This recommendation becomes particularly important for lesions that begin bleeding, develop pain, or exhibit irregular boundaries or varied coloration patterns.
Although yearly skin examinations are important for all adult patients, it is especially important for those over 45 or those possessing elevated skin cancer risk factors. These thorough evaluations also allow your dermatologist to track existing growths and detect new lesions during their earliest, most treatable stages.
What to Expect During Your Skin Assessment
Throughout a dermatological consultation, your provider will meticulously examine any concerning lesions using specialized magnification tools and advanced diagnostic techniques. They may use dermoscopy, a painless examination method that allows them to get a better view of skin structures that are invisible during standard visual inspection.
When any formation appears suspicious or if your dermatologist is unsure of a diagnosis, they may suggest tissue sampling through a biopsy to rule certain diagnoses out. Most skin biopsies represent straightforward office procedures that yield essential data for developing appropriate treatment strategies.
How Can I Protect My Skin?
Prevention continues to represent the most effective strategy for minimizing new skin growth development and reducing overall skin cancer risk. Consistent daily application of broad-spectrum ultraviolet protection with SPF 30 or higher ratings, protective clothing choices, and strategic avoidance of peak solar intensity periods can substantially decrease your likelihood of developing both benign and malignant skin formations.
Routine self-monitoring using established diagnostic criteria, including asymmetry assessment, border evaluation, color analysis, and diameter measurement, can help you recognize worrisome changes at their earliest stages. When uncertainty exists regarding any skin formation, professional medical evaluation provides the most dependable pathway to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
If you have questions about your skin, schedule an appointment at Moy-Fincher-Chipps today!
