Cyst, Lipoma, Other Growths

An epidermoid cyst is a sac under the skin that is filled with keratin protein. It can be present on any part of the body. A cyst can persist for years. It can grow. Sometimes it can rupture and become painful and inflamed. At our practice, we perform a minor in-office excision surgery under local anesthesia to remove the benign cyst. If inflamed, we can inject a steroid solution around the cyst and prescribe you oral antibiotics to calm down the inflammation.

A lipoma is a benign soft spongy lump under the skin due to an overgrowth of fat cells. It is usually slow growing and harmless. Some people may have a genetic condition called benign familial lipomatosis such that they and their family members have multiple lipomas. If a lipoma becomes bothersome to you, we can perform an in-office excision surgery for removal.

Dermatofibroma

Dematofibroma is a harmless firm fibrous lesion on the legs and arms. It is sometime attributed to a minor injury, like an insect bite or a pimple. We can help you to make the diagnosis. If it becomes bothersome to you, we can perform a minor removal procedure.

Neurofibroma

Neurofibroma is a soft, spongy lesion made up of peripheral nerve sheath bundles. A solitary neurofibroma can be seen in a healthy person. If it becomes bothersome or a cosmetic concern for you, a minor procedure can remove the neurofibroma.

Neurofibromas can occur in association with a genetic disorder, neurofibromatosis. Careful history, examination and imaging studies will be needed to aid the diagnosis if the disease is suspected.

We mentioned a few common non-cancerous skin growths, but there are many other types. Sometimes, when skin growth is uncontrolled, it becomes cancerous or malignant. Dermatologists are experienced at examining the skin and performing a simple biopsy procedure to obtain a definitive diagnosis. If you have any questions or concern, please contact us at Sigma Dermatology to allow our board-certified dermatologist to help you.