Skin Growths Treatment

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 It's common to develop growths on your skin as you get older. Skin growths can either be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). While the majority of skin growths are harmless and noncancerous, such as skin tags, some may be a sign of something more serious, such as melanoma. 

 As a general rule, if a spot has not healed within 3 weeks, it should be considered suspicious. The body has an interesting way of communicating. Skin cancer may, in some cases, be associated with changes in sensation. Any mole or growth that is itchy, painful, or bothersome should be evaluated. 

 Some basal cell carcinomas may appear as raised, pink or red, translucent, shiny, pearly bumps that may bleed after a minor injury. They may have a lower area in their center, and blue, brown, or black areas. Know the signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinoma. 

 Many benign skin growths are not harmful to your health, so they only require treatment for cosmetic reasons. 

Removal procedures may include:

• Cryosurgery: This method is for growths that are very small and near the skin’s surface. Your physician uses a device that sprays liquid nitrogen onto the tumor to freeze cells and destroy them.
• Shave excision: You are given a local anesthetic before your physician uses a small blade to shave off the growth.
• Simple excision: Your physician uses a scalpel to remove the growth from the skin. Some of the healthy tissue around it is also removed if skin cancer is suspected.
• Curettage and electrodessication: This procedure removes tissue and cauterizes the area using a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument called a curette. After curettage, your physician passes an electric needle over the surface of the scraped area to stop any bleeding.
• Laser treatment: Laser therapy uses a narrow beam of intense light to remove small growths.
• Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion removes the top layer of skin with a rotating wheel or small particles that rub away skin cells.