A Guide to Common Benign Skin Lesions: Part 2

A benign skin lesion refers to a non-cancerous skin growth. Any individual regardless of age can have a single benign skin lesion or multiple ones.

The common features of benign skin lesions include the following: the lesion is either stable or slowly evolving; symmetry is present in terms of colour, structure, and shape; and spontaneous bleeding is absent.

Benign lesions can be classified according to their cellular origin: melanocytic, keratinocytic, fibrous, vascular, fat, and others.

In a previous post, melanocytic and keratinocytic benign lesions were discussed. This post focuses on vascular, fibrous, and subcutaneous lesions, as well as skin tags.

Vascular Lesions

The common lesions of vascular origin include angioma and pyogenic granuloma.

Angioma is formed as a result of proliferation of the endothelial cells. A superficial angioma has a bright red colour, while a deeper angioma has a purple or blue colour.

Pyogenic granuloma is a vascular response to bacterial infection and trauma. It appears as a rapidly growing friable nodule on the face, fingers, or toes. The colour of the lesion varies from yellow to violaceous. A scaly collarette surrounds the pyogenic granuloma.

Fibrous Lesions

Dermatofibroma is a common fibrous lesion. It is a reactive lesion that appears as single or multiple firm dermal papules. The dermatofibroma presents in pink, brown, or tan colour. When the lesion is pinched, it forms a dimple.

Subcutaneous Lesions

Lipoma is the most common benign soft-tissue tumour. It appears as a soft, rubbery, and freely mobile mass, most commonly found on the neck, trunk, or back.

Skin Tags

The most common type of skin tag is called acrochordon. It is a soft and fleshy papule that is pedunculated in most cases. The size of the lesion varies from 1 to 6 mm in diameter.