Medical Information

What Are Benign Growths & Lesions?

Benign growths and lesions are non-cancerous skin changes that can appear anywhere on the body. While they are generally harmless, some can cause discomfort, affect appearance, or become irritated if rubbed or injured. Identifying them correctly is important to rule out more serious conditions and choose the right management.

Medical Definition

A benign skin growth or lesion is an abnormal proliferation of skin cells, fat, or other tissues that does not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

  • Common types include moles (naevi), skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses, lipomas, and dermatofibromas.
  • They can vary in colour, texture, and size, from flat spots to raised nodules.
  • Causes include genetic predisposition, sun exposure, friction, ageing, and hormonal changes.
  • Though benign, some lesions can mimic skin cancer, requiring professional assessment.
  • Treatment may be elective (for cosmetic reasons) or necessary if the lesion causes irritation, bleeding, or a rapid change in appearance.
Get to Know Your Skin Better
Medical illustration of benign growths and lesions
Get to Know Your Skin Better

Benign Growths & Lesions: Types, Causes & Treatment

Understanding the type of benign lesion is important for deciding whether to monitor, treat, or remove it. While most are harmless, an accurate diagnosis ensures safety and peace of mind.

Condition Type Description Symptoms Focus of Treatment Treatment Options
Moles (Naevi) Benign

Clusters of pigment-producing cells

  • Brown, black, or skin-colored spots
  • Flat or raised

Monitor for changes, remove if suspicious or bothersome

Observation Surgical excision Laser removal
Skin Tags (Acrochordons) Benign

Small, soft, flesh-colored growths on thin stalks

  • Painless
  • May catch on clothing/jewelry

Remove if irritated or for cosmetic reasons

Snip excision Cauterisation Cryotherapy
Seborrhoeic Keratoses Benign

Overgrowth of skin cells forms waxy, wart-like lesions

  • Brown, black, or tan growths
  • Rough surface

Remove for cosmetic reasons or if irritated

Cryotherapy Curettage Laser treatment
Lipomas Benign

Soft, fatty lumps under the skin

  • Soft
  • Mobile
  • Painless

Remove if large, painful, or growing

Surgical excision Liposuction (select cases)
Dermatofibromas Benign

Firm nodules of fibrous tissue

  • Hard, dome-shaped
  • Often on legs

Usually left alone unless symptomatic

Surgical excision Cryotherapy
Cysts (Epidermoid/Sebaceous) Benign

Sacs filled with keratin or sebum

  • Smooth, firm lumps
  • May become inflamed

Remove if infected or bothersome

Incision and drainage Surgical removal

Concerned about a skin growth or lesion? Book your consultation with Dr. Janani Sree C M at Velantis for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised management plan.

Call +91 96006 66460
Expert Care

Our Comprehensive Benign Growths & Lesions Care Approach

At Velantis, we don't just remove growths for appearance. We focus on accurate diagnosis, safe removal, and long-term skin health to ensure every treatment is both effective and protective.

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Topical Treatments

While most benign lesions require in-clinic removal, certain superficial growths can be managed or prepared for treatment with topical methods.

  • Medicated creams to reduce surface keratin build-up
  • Topical agents to lighten post-removal pigmentation
  • Soothing creams to aid healing after removal
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Oral Medications

In select cases, such as inflamed cysts or irritated lesions, we prescribe oral medication to reduce symptoms before removal.

  • Short courses of anti-inflammatory medication to calm swelling
  • Antibiotics if infection is present in or around the lesion
  • Supplements to support skin repair and recovery

Advanced In-Clinic Procedures

We perform all removals using sterile, medically safe techniques tailored to the specific type and location of the lesion.

  • Cryotherapy to freeze and remove superficial growths
  • Electrocautery for precise removal with minimal bleeding
  • Laser therapy for small, visible-area lesions requiring fine control
  • Surgical excision for deeper or larger growths, ensuring complete removal
  • Incision and drainage for inflamed or infected cysts
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Ongoing Support & Home Care

Our care extends beyond the procedure to ensure smooth healing and minimal scarring.

  • Follow-up reviews to monitor wound healing and detect recurrence early
  • Personalised aftercare routines for optimal recovery
  • Guidance on sun protection to prevent pigmentation changes
  • Advice on monitoring skin for new or changing lesions

Do's

  • Have a dermatologist check any new or changing growths.
  • Follow your dermatologist's aftercare instructions closely after removal.
  • Keep the treated area clean and protected until fully healed.
  • Apply sunscreen daily to exposed skin to help reduce scarring and pigmentation.
  • Wear loose clothing to avoid friction on healing sites.
  • Attend follow-up appointments to monitor for recurrence or new growths.

Don'ts

  • Attempt to remove growths at home using blades or unverified methods.
  • Pick, scratch, or rub the lesion or the treated area.
  • Ignore changes in colour, size, or shape of any skin growth.
  • Apply harsh creams or acids without consulting a doctor.
  • Expose healing skin to direct sunlight without protection.
  • Delay treatment if a growth becomes painful, irritated, or starts bleeding.
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Expert Guidance

A benign skin lesion may be harmless, but the worry it brings is real. We're here to give you answers, remove your doubts, and protect your skin with care.

Ready to Get Your Skin Growth Checked and Treated?

Don't ignore changes in your skin. Book a consultation with our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Janani Sree C M, at Velantis for an accurate diagnosis and safe, dermatologist-performed treatment that protects both your skin health and appearance.

Velantis Dermatology

Why Choose Velantis Dermatology?

At Velantis, we approach benign growths with the same precision and care as more serious skin conditions. We believe in thorough diagnosis, safe removal, and preserving the natural appearance of your skin.

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Clear, Confident Diagnosis

No skin growth should be dismissed without certainty. Every case begins with a thorough examination by our dermatologist, Dr. Janani Sree C M, who uses dermoscopy to view structures beneath the skin's surface. If there's any doubt about the nature of the lesion, we may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This careful process ensures you receive the right treatment for your specific growth, without unnecessary procedures.

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Treatment Designed Around You

No two skin growths are the same, and neither are our treatment plans. We choose removal methods based on the lesion's type, size, and location, as well as your personal preferences. Whether your priority is minimal downtime, comfort during the procedure, or the best possible cosmetic outcome, we design your plan to match those goals while ensuring medical safety.

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Aesthetic-Focused Outcomes

We understand that appearance matters especially for lesions on the face, neck, or other visible areas. Our removal techniques are designed to minimise scarring, avoid unnecessary pigmentation changes, and keep the skin looking as natural as possible.

Safe and Sterile Procedures

Your safety is our top priority. All treatments are performed in a medically controlled, sterile environment, following strict protocols to reduce the risk of infection or recurrence. By ensuring that every removal is done under the highest standards, we protect not only the treatment site but also your overall skin health.

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Care That Continues After Removal

Our commitment doesn't end once the lesion is gone. We schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing, provide clear aftercare instructions, and help you recognise any early signs of recurrence or new growths. We also educate you on what changes to look for in your skin, so you can act early if anything new appears.

A benign skin lesion may be harmless, but the worry it brings is real. We're here to give you answers, remove your doubts, and protect your skin with care.

Get Answers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Most benign growths are harmless and do not turn into cancer. However, some can resemble malignant lesions, so it's essential to have them checked by a dermatologist.

Removal may be needed if the growth is changing in size, shape, or colour, causing irritation, bleeding, or for cosmetic reasons. Our dermatologist can guide you after a proper assessment.

Any skin procedure can leave a mark, but we use techniques that minimise scarring and aim for the best cosmetic result, especially in visible areas.

Some types may recur if not completely removed. We choose the most effective method to reduce recurrence and schedule follow-ups to monitor healing.

No. Home removal increases the risk of infection, scarring, and incomplete removal. Always have growths removed by a qualified dermatologist.

Healing usually takes 1–4 weeks depending on the size, location, and method of removal. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to support recovery.

Yes. Children can develop moles, skin tags, and other benign lesions. We offer safe, age-appropriate removal when necessary.

Most moles are harmless, but any mole that changes in size, shape, or colour should be evaluated promptly to rule out skin cancer.

Costs vary depending on the type, size, and removal method. We provide a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate after your consultation.

Yes. We examine the growth carefully and may recommend a biopsy if there's any suspicion. This ensures we treat you safely and appropriately.

Absolutely. We monitor your healing, ensure there's no recurrence, and advise on preventing future skin concerns.

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