Neoplasms on the skin of a person can have a different structure, but all will be united by the same mechanism of their development, that is, uncontrolled reproduction of cells that have not reached maturity, as a result of which they are not able to fully perform direct functions. In this article, we will take a closer look at various types of benign tumors on the skin.
Distinctive features
Neoplasms on the skin are usually called tumors or neoplasias. Benign tumors on the skin have some distinctive criteria, thanks to which a specialist can differentiate these neoplasms from a malignant form. These criteria should include:
- Slow growth.
- The neoplasm does not germinate on nearby tissues.
- Cellular elements are not able to spread beyond the neoplasm.
- The size of the tumor increases evenly.
- Benign skin tumors are atypical structures that do not tend to metastasize.
- With growth, benign neoplasms move adjacent tissues, pressing on them, as a result of which a capsule appears.
It is important to note that benign tumors on the skin are not dangerous for humans, but it is worth noting that under the influence of some factors, education can develop into cancerous ones. Most often, in practice, the following neoplastic benign tumors are noted:
- Fibroma.
- Hemangioma.
- Birthmark.
- Lymphangioma
- Lipoma.
- Atheroma.
- Papilloma.
- Neurofibroma.
As a rule, an indication for removal is an unsuccessful localization, for example, on the head, face, in the place of constant friction with clothes. In addition, the large size, as well as malfunctions of other organs that provoke a neoplasm, are also indications for removal. Such benign neoplasms on the skin respond well to both surgical and hardware therapy. Only sometimes can tumors recur.
Classification of benign neoplasms on the skin
Benign neoplasms can be divided into the following types:
- Acquired.
- Congenital.
Acquired are neoplasms that occur on the skin due to pathologies such as papillomavirus, a weakened immune system, metabolic disturbance. With papillomavirus, papillomas and genital warts are formed. If a person has a weakened immune system, then warts may appear on the palms and soles. In case of metabolic disturbance, soft and hard fibromas are formed, for example, keratomas, xanthomas, nevi.
Birth defects, nevi, the area of which is more than 2 cm, as well as moles, should be attributed to congenital neoplasia.
Locations
Very often, such neoplasms are located in the groin, neck, face, chest, scalp, and also in the axillary zone. There are cases when moles are located in atypical places, for example, in the nose, on the eyelid, in the auricle. In such situations, people want to get rid of neoplasms, since they cause aesthetic discomfort.
Reasons for the appearance
The exact causes of the appearance of neoplasms on the skin has not been established. However, experts have several theories about this. Provoking factors are as follows:
- Burdened by heredity.
- Individual characteristics of the human body.
- Exposure to ultraviolet, x-ray and radiation.
- The presence of a viral infection.
- Long trauma to the skin.
- Chronic exposure to the skin of chemical carcinogens.
- Insect bites.
- Metastases in the presence of an oncological process in the patient’s body.
- Violation of trophic skin, which is why chronic ulcers form.
- Weakened immunity.
Symptoms and types of hemangiomas
Quite often, hemangioma can be seen on adult skin. This is a tumor, which is based on a vascular formation. Hemangioma can be divided into several types, they will depend on which specific vessels are involved in the process. Consider the types of hemangiomas on the skin in adults and children:
- Cavernous. Such a hemangioma is located deep in the skin, is a subcutaneous limited site, covered with a bluish-colored coat. As a rule, such a hemangioma is diagnosed immediately after the birth of a child, and it is localized on the head or neck.
- Simple capillary. Such a neoplasm is found on the surface of the skin. This hemangioma is very large in size. Color can be from reddish to dark blue. A neoplasm is growing on the periphery.
- Combined. Such a hemangioma is a combination of cavernous and simple forms of this tumor.
- Mixed. In this case, both vessels and nearby tissues are involved in the process. As a rule, connective tissue is involved.
If the hemangioma is located on the eyelid or on the face, then radiation therapy is used to remove it. In other situations, sclerotherapy, cryotherapy, as well as hormone therapy are prescribed. The method of surgical intervention is used only if the hemangioma is located too deep.
Fibroma
So, we continue to consider the types of benign tumors on the skin. Mandatory mention should be made of fibroma, which is a neoplasm formed from connective tissues. Fibroma is often diagnosed in young people. Mostly such neoplasia occurs among the fair sex.
Small sizes are characteristic of this neoplasia. Fibromas reach a maximum in diameter of 3 cm. A neoplasm is a spherical nodule, deeply planted in the skin, which slightly rises above the surface. Fibroma can be of a different shade, ranging from gray to black. As a rule, the surface is smooth, sometimes warty formations can be observed. Fibroma grows slowly.
It is important to note that, despite the fact that fibroma is a benign tumor, under favorable conditions there is a risk of transformation into a cancerous form. To remove fibroma, a laser, surgical, as well as radiosurgical method is used. In addition, specialists can prescribe electrocoagulation to remove.
Nevuses and moles
We continue to study the names of benign skin tumors. Often on the body you can see moles and nevi. Such neoplasms can be either congenital or acquired.
The code in the ICD-10 of the nevus is D22. It is an accumulation of cells having too much melanin. Such neoplasms are characterized by various forms, shades, as well as texture. These neoplasms are deleted most often due to possible degeneration into cancer, as well as due to localization in inconvenient places. The code on the ICD-10 table of the nevus may vary slightly depending on the specific type. As a rule, it is located somewhere on the face or in the place of friction with clothes, it is best to remove it. Currently, a variety of methods are used for excision.
Lipoma
But what about the lipoma, the causes and treatment of this neoplasm? Such a neoplasm is formed on the basis of the fat layer, due to which it is often called a wen. Lipomas are localized in the thickness of the connective tissue under the skin. Often a tumor penetrates deep into the underlying tissue, growing between the vessels and muscles and reaching the bones. Most often, a lipoma is localized in areas with a thin fat layer, for example, on the hips, shoulders, shoulder blade, head.
A lipoma is a mobile and soft neoplasm, which will be painful upon palpation. This tumor is characterized by slow growth. Lipoma is not harmful to health, but sometimes it can develop into cancer.
A lipoma can appear due to a violation of fat metabolism, a genetic predisposition, due to an insufficient level of personal hygiene, in violation of the mechanism of reverse regulation of fat metabolism.
What else can be said about the causes and treatment of lipoma? Mandatory removal is prescribed in case of intensive growth of this neoplasm, as well as compression of surrounding tissues or organs. It should be noted that experts advise to remove the lipoma in the event that it began to grow, while still reaching small sizes. Thanks to this, it will be possible to avoid a large scar. To remove a small lipoma, a puncture-aspiration, laser, radio wave therapy method is used.
Lymphangioma
These tumors are formed on the basis of lymphatic vessels. In most cases, lymphangioma is congenital in nature, as it forms in an uncomfortable period. This neoplasm is found in children whose age is less than 3 years. Externally, lymphangioma is a cavity with the thinnest walls. The size of the neoplasm is from 1 to 5 mm in diameter. Neoplasia grows rather slowly, but there may be cases of spasmodic growth, when the lymphangioma increases rapidly in size. In such situations, operational removal is indicated.
A surgical procedure for the treatment of benign neoplasms is used in the case of lymphangiomas, which are located near the trachea, larynx, and other vital organs.
Warts and papillomas
Warts and papillomas on the body, the reasons for the appearance of which can be largely, are neoplasms in the form of a nodule or flat papilla. In practice, you can find growths of various sizes, shades and shapes. The main reason for the appearance of papillomas and warts on the body is the papilloma virus, which has many different strains. This virus is activated in the human body due to stress, reduced immunity, as well as a vegetative disorder.
There are certain types of warts that can transform into an oncological form. However, the bulk of these neoplasms is still safe. For therapy, immunomodulating and antiviral agents are used. To remove a wart or papilloma, you can use any method, from acids to surgical intervention.
Atheroma
According to the classification in the ICD-10 table, atheroma has a code from L60 to L75, represents a cyst from the sebaceous gland, which occurs due to blockage. Most often, atheroma is localized in the groin, on the head, neck, back. Thus, we can conclude that neoplasms are located in areas where a high concentration of sebaceous glands predominates.
The code in the international ICD-10 table for atheroma will depend on the specific species. But how to define it externally? Atheroma has clear contours, very dense, elastic on palpation, does not bring any discomfort to the patient. If an infection is attached, suppuration of the tumor may occur. In this case, atheroma acquires a red tint, swelling, soreness is formed. In a state of inflammation, atheroma is able to break through on its own, and purulent-sebaceous contents will come out of it.
Despite the fact that atheromas are benign neoplasms, they are able to degenerate into a malignant form. That is why it is necessary to remove such neoplasms on the body. This is carried out only by surgical intervention.
Neurofibroma
This neoplasia grows from cells that create nerve membranes. Neurofibroma is localized in the subcutaneous tissue, as well as on the skin. Outwardly, it is a tubercle, which differs in a dense consistency. The diameter of neurofibromas is about 3 cm. Neoplasia is covered by the epidermis, which is highly depigmented or pigmented. Such a tumor may have a multiple character. This condition is commonly called neurofibromatosis. It is the result of a genetic malfunction, and can be inherited.
Single neurofibromas rarely degenerate into a cancerous form, but they can cause a lot of problems to the patient. The fact is that such neoplasms can provoke various functional disorders, constant pain. Neurofibroma is treated medically. Removal of neurofibroma is carried out using radiation therapy, as well as surgical intervention.
Diagnostics
Of great importance in early diagnosis will be given to regular examinations, as well as introspection. A specialist with an external examination can accurately diagnose a particular pathological condition, as well as a neoplasm on the skin. After that, the patient is sent for further examination.
If you are attentive to your own health, you will be able to notice changes in your moles, birthmarks, and pigmentation in time. For example, if you notice new moles on your body, the doctor should determine the cause of the appearance. In some cases, this is an alarm.
If you notice skin changes that are observed without any reason, then it is imperative to undergo an examination with an oncodermatologist or dermatologist, where on the basis of an external examination, oncological examination, as well as examination of the general condition of the patient’s body, the tumor-like nature of the neoplasm will be excluded or confirmed.
Treatment and prevention
There is no specific prophylaxis of neoplasms on the body. Preventive measures include the removal of warts and moles at the initial stage of their development, especially if you observe a large number of them on your body. People who have a genetic predisposition to cancer should be more attentive to the treatment of benign skin tumors, as well as to prevention. To this end, insolation should be avoided, the choice of a workplace should be most carefully taken, and contact with carcinogens should be avoided. Specialists also recommend excluding from their diet those products that can provoke the degeneration of the tumor into a malignant form.
Treatment of a benign skin tumor on the face or other parts of the body will consist in the removal of the affected area. Laser removal is the least relapse, since in this case cauterization of the wound surface is observed, further dissemination of tumor cells is not allowed. Also for these purposes, cryodestruction and electrocoagulation can be used. The specialist can prescribe a radio wave removal method, depending on a particular type of neoplasm on the skin.
When is the danger?
So, above we examined the names of benign tumors on the skin, as well as methods of treating these neoplasms. But when can such a neoplasm develop into a malignant form? First of all, it should be noted that this will not be characteristic of all tumors. Only an experienced specialist can determine specifically which mole on your body is potentially dangerous. If you notice in yourself how the birthmark is increasing, be sure to contact a medical institution for help.
It is proved that the most dangerous are the nevuses, which are birthmarks and moles that have a convex shape, and they are located on the skin from birth. In such situations, it is necessary to make a timely diagnosis. First of all, experts advise you to remove keratomas from your body. Due to severe discomfort, condylomas, papillomas, warts, xanthomas are removed.
When to remove?
There are cases when a neoplasm on the skin must be removed, regardless of variety. For example, if there are about 20 moles in a small area of the skin, there is a risk of developing melanoma, that is, a malignant form.
If neoplasias are located on the neck, arms, face, then it is best to remove them, since tumors are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, which increases the risk of degeneration into a malignant form.
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