Formerly Groot DermaSurgery
Benign Cysts and Growths
Skin tags, sebaceous hyperplasia, seborrheic keratoses, milia, sebaceous cysts, and syringomas are a few of the very common benign growths that people get as they age.
Seborrheic Keratoses sebaceous hyperplasia skin tags milia sebaceous cysts syringomas
Our skin is the largest organ of the body and is subjected to many internal and external abuses. So it is not surprising that over time the skin develops a variety of innocent lumps and bumps, some of which may be cysts and growths. These lumps and bumps are many and varied, and are often tagged with long medical names that are impossible to pronounce. Suffice it to say that you do not have to live with white, brown, or red appendages that may protrude from your skin. They are usually easy to remove, particularly now that target specific lasers have been developed. Common benign lesions that are not pre-cancerous or cancerous may include: acrochordons (skin tags), milia, seborrheic keratoses, syringomas, sebaceous cysts, and sebaceous hyperplasia.
Benign cysts and growths such as skin tags and seborrheic keratoses are considered to be cosmetic in nature therefore removal of these lesions is the responsibility of the patient. The cost varies on the type of lesion, the number of lesions, and the treatment recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Milia, Syringomas, and Sebaceous Cysts
What Are Milia?
Milia are common, harmless, miniature oil gland cysts which can appear anytime during life. They may occur when the pores become plugged with creams, but may also occur on their own.
Milia never become malignant. They can become larger, and sometime become annoying because of their cosmetic appearance, but do not present any concern medically.
How Are Milia Treated?
Milia are usually removed with gentle electrodesiccation or, in the case of larger lesions; they are vaporized with the carbon dioxide laser. To prevent milia avoid the use heavy creams which plug up the pores.
What Are Syringomas?
Syringomas are benign tumors of the sweat ducts, which appear most commonly on the neck, chest and face, particularly under the eyes. They may vary in color from translucent or skin colored, through the yellow spectrum, to a purplish shade. They may be round or flat, and can range in size from 1 to 5 mm. Syringomas commonly appear during adolescent and may increase in number into adulthood.
How Are Syringomas Treated?
Excision was the treatment of choice in the past, although a small scar was unavoidable. Now syringomas can be easily vaporized with a CO2 laser. To avoid a dent in the skin, the cyst is not always entirely removed; therefore recurrence is common. Asymptomatic in nature, they are usually removed for cosmetic reasons.
What Are Sebaceous Cysts?
A sebaceous cyst forms when an oil gland ruptures in the second layer of the skin and becomes surrounded by scar tissue. These dome-shaped protuberances commonly appear in groups on the skin but may be solitary. They enlarge slowly and may become inflamed and tender from time to time.
Pilar cysts are similar to sebaceous cysts. They appear in multiples on the scalp and are common in families.
How Are Sebaceous Cysts Treated?
Cysts are usually excised with or without CO2 laser surgery. The cyst is anesthetized prior to removal so no pain is felt during the procedure. Once the treatment is complete the treatment site may be swollen, bruised and tender to the touch for several days.
Do you have another question that wasn’t addressed here? Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have!