Depending on their location, small skin tumors can be classified into three categories:
Subcutaneous (endophytic) lesions:
- Lipomas – benign fatty tumors that commonly occur in adults and the elderly. These are soft, elastic to the touch, movable, painless, and may grow slowly over time, especially when located in pressure-prone areas.
- Dermoid cysts – congenital or acquired formations caused by skin development disorders, which can appear at any age and in various parts of the body.
- Atheromas (sebaceous cysts) – formed due to the blockage of the sebaceous gland duct. As sebum production continues, the gland gradually enlarges. These occur more frequently in people aged 30–55, particularly on the scalp, neck, back, and less commonly on limbs. Their size can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Atheromas are encapsulated and contain a white, paste-like substance. Since they often become inflamed, it is advisable to remove them to prevent discomfort and scarring. Up to 70% of cases may involve multiple atheromas. They should never be squeezed or traumatized by a beautician, as the capsule remains and the cyst will regrow. If not completely removed with the capsule, an atheroma can recur in the same location.
Intradermal lesions:
- Dermatofibromas – nodular formations that pull the skin inward at the center. Their pigmentation ranges from pink to bluish-brown. The risk of malignancy is extremely low.
- Intradermal pigmented nevi – flat, soft, light to dark brown patch-like formations on the skin.
- Xanthomas and xanthelasmas – yellowish fatty deposits under the skin, often near the upper eyelids, usually causing cosmetic concerns.
- Cystadenomas – dense or lobulated formations containing sebaceous secretions.
Exophytic (protruding) lesions:
- Papillomas – soft, elastic skin-colored or slightly pigmented growths on a thin stalk. Often caused by viral infection, meaning the virus remains in the bloodstream and may cause new papillomas to appear on the same or different areas of the skin. They typically appear on the face, neck, extensor surfaces of the arms, armpits, and other parts of the body.
- Keratomas – thick, scaly, often itchy growths that may appear gray, yellow-gray, or grayish-brown.
- Fibromas or fibrolipomas – soft, elastic, skin-colored formations composed of fat and connective tissue.
- Fibropapillomas – elastic, skin-colored, dome-shaped formations protruding from the skin surface.
- Papillomatous nevi – soft, elastic, skin-colored or slightly pigmented growths resembling “cauliflower” in shape.
- Pigmented nevi (moles) – usually appear between 6–12 months of age and increase in number up to the age of 30–40. They are typically under 1 cm in diameter, round or oval in shape, with a smooth or irregular edge, and vary in color from brown to black.
Pigmented nevi are categorized based on how deep they grow into the skin. About one-third of malignant skin tumors (melanomas) originate from pigmented moles. A person’s moles should generally be uniform in color, size, and shape. If one differs — becomes darker, larger, raised, bleeds, or otherwise changes — it is advisable to have it surgically removed and sent for histological examination. Traumatized and bleeding moles should also be removed.
The most reliable way to prevent a suspicious or injured mole from becoming dangerous in the future is to have it surgically removed as early and completely as possible. Early detection and removal significantly improve the chances of recovery.
What does the procedure for removing small skin lesions involve?
At the beginning of the procedure, the surgeon explains what type of lesion is present and how the surgery will be performed.
Before starting, the surgeon will ask about any allergies, especially to Lidocaine.
Benign skin lesions at Dr. Mari Laasma’s Laser and Aesthetic Clinic are removed by Dr. Kristel Genergard and Dr. Mari Laasma.
During the procedure:
- The area to be operated on is cleaned with a special colorless disinfecting solution and covered with a sterile drape.
- Local anesthesia is administered. The injection may cause mild stinging, which quickly passes.
- During the surgery, the patient may feel some manipulation, but no pain.
- The surgeon maintains communication throughout the procedure to respond immediately if the patient experiences any discomfort or pain.
- The wound is closed with either internal (intradermal) or external sutures, which are removed after 1–2 weeks.
- If necessary, the removed tissue is sent to a lab for a precise diagnosis.
- Histology results are usually available within 1–2 weeks.
- A nurse provides wound care instructions and, if needed, the first dressings for covering the wound.