What is skin tumour?

Skin tumours can develop in any area of the skin but are usually on those exposed to sunlight.

Cells typically develop and divide to generate new cells when your body requires them or when cells become old and damaged. A tumour forms when cells continue to grow and divide more than is required.

Tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Common benign tumours include:

Keratoacanthoma

A dome-shaped skin tumour occuring on sun-exposed areas (head, neck, and arms), often starts in a hair follicle

Dermatofibroma

Small reddish brown or brown oval bumps, usually found on the lower legs

Wart

Rough, skin-coloured bumps, commonly found on the hands

Hemangioma

A bright red birthmark that appears in the first two weeks of life, it will fade over time

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Yellowish or flesh-coloured bumps that form on the forehead and nose

Mole

Small, dark brown spots

Seborrheic keratosis

A brown, black or light tan that looks waxy or scaly, usually appearing on the face, back, or chest

Lipoma

A tissue growth that has an oval or circular form and appears beneath the skin, commonly appearing on the back, arms and neck

Skin tag

Skin-coloured tissue appearing as a small piece of hanging skin, mostly occurring on the skin folds such as the neck

Common malignant tumours include:

Melanoma

May be a symptom of skin cancer if the mole changes dramatically in size, shape or colour. It can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Squamous cell carcinoma

May appear in multiple forms, including as open sores or red nodules with a rough surface

Basal cell carcinoma

Can take multiple forms but often appear as a skin-coloured bump

Some signs of malignant tumours can be recognised by following the ABCDE method:

A - Asymmetry

Irregular in shape and asymmetrical

B - Border

Have poorly defined and asymmetrical borders

C - Colour

Have more than one shade or colour

D - Diameter

Larger than 6mm in diameter

E - Evolution

Characteristics (size, shape and colour) change over time

Who is at risk of skin tumours?

Skin cancer can affect everyone, although individuals with certain characteristics are at a higher risk.

Genetic history of skin tumours
Sensitive skin that reddens, burns, or stings easily when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays
Old age
Excessive exposure to the sun

What can I do to reduce my risk of skin tumours?

UV exposure is usually linked to many cases of skin tumours, thus there are a few precautions that can be taken.

Avoid excessive UV ray exposure (limiting time or seeking shade when outdoors)
Avoid tanning or using a UV tanning bed
Seek advice from a dermatologist on any abnormal spot, bump or mole on your skin
Use of protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Use sunscreen

How are skin tumours treated?

Skin tumours are mostly harmless and only require treatment if the patient experiences severe symptoms. Those dealing with benign skin tumours have several dermatological options including freezing (cryotherapy), curettage and electrodesiccation, and laser treatment. However, malignant tumours involve more intensive procedures like surgery or radiotherapy treatment.

Some of the treatments are:

Cryosurgery or cryotherapy

The abnormal tissues are frozen and removed from the body by using liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen.

Laser treatment

The abnormal cells are vaporised using a beam of laser light.

Curettage and electrodesiccation

This treatment involves a numbing medication being injected into the area. The skin tumour is then removed with a curette (a scoop-shaped surgical instrument). Any remaining abnormal cells in the area are treated with an electrode (an electric needle).

Surgical excision

Tumour tissue is surgically removed

Radiotherapy

Radiation therapy (low-energy x-rays or electrons) is used to treat skin cancers

Cryosurgery or cryotherapy

The abnormal tissues are frozen and removed from the body by using liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen.

Laser treatment

The abnormal cells are vaporised using a beam of laser light.

Curettage and electrodesiccation

Surgical excision

Tumour tissue is surgically removed

Radiotherapy

Specialty

Plastic Surgery

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