Skin Lumps and Bumps: Types, Diagnosis & Removal
Summary
Skin lumps and bumps are common and most are benign. They can develop on or beneath the skin and vary widely in size, texture and appearance. However, new, growing or changing lumps should be assessed by a dermatologist to establish the correct diagnosis before removal.
- Appearance & Symptoms: Growths may be flat or raised, soft or firm, smooth or rough, and skin-coloured or pigmented. Most are painless, although some may become irritated, inflamed or tender.
- Causes: Depending on the type of growth, causes may include genetics, blocked hair follicles, trapped keratin, enlarged oil glands, acne, trauma, infection, friction or an overgrowth of fatty tissue.
- Common Types: Lipomas (fatty lumps), epidermal cysts, skin tags, milia, seborrhoeic keratoses (age spots) and sebaceous hyperplasia (enlarged oil glands).
- Cryotherapy: Commonly used for selected superficial growths such as warts, seborrhoeic keratoses and sebaceous hyperplasia.
- Electrocautery: Suitable for skin tags, sebaceous hyperplasia and selected superficial benign growths.
- Laser Treatment: Can be used for selected growths, including warts, syringomas, trichoepitheliomas and sebaceous hyperplasia.
- Surgical Removal: Generally used for larger or deeper lumps such as lipomas and epidermal cysts, or when tissue needs to be examined under a microscope.
- Comfort: Numbing cream or local anaesthetic injections can be used where appropriate to make treatment comfortable.
- Aftercare: Keep the wound clean, follow the recommended wound-care instructions and protect the area from sun exposure once healed to minimise pigmentation and scarring.
- Important: Any lump that is rapidly growing, changing, bleeding, persistently painful or otherwise unusual should be assessed by a dermatologist before cosmetic removal.
What are Skin Growths (Lumps and Bumps)?
Skin growths, commonly described as lumps and bumps, are a broad group of growths that develop either on the surface of the skin or within the deeper layers. They are very common and can occur anywhere on the body.
What Do Skin Growths Look Like?
Skin growths can vary considerably in appearance. They may be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and skin-coloured or pigmented. They may feel soft, rubbery, firm or hard, depending on the type of growth and where it develops within the skin.
How Large Can Skin Growths Be?
They can range from tiny, barely visible bumps measuring only a few millimetres to larger lumps several centimetres across. Some remain the same size for many years, while others may gradually increase in size.
Where Do Skin Growths Appear?
Lumps and bumps can develop anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, scalp, trunk, arms and legs. Certain growths have characteristic locations. For example, skin tags commonly develop in areas of friction such as the neck and armpits, while milia frequently occur around the eyes and cheeks.
Are Skin Growths Harmful?
The majority of skin lumps and bumps are benign and harmless. However, some skin cancers can initially resemble an ordinary skin growth. A new growth, or one that is changing in size, shape, colour or appearance, repeatedly bleeding or failing to heal, should therefore be assessed by a dermatologist.
Once the diagnosis has been established, your dermatologist can advise whether the growth can safely be left alone or whether removal is recommended for medical, symptomatic or cosmetic reasons.
What Causes Skin Lumps and Bumps?
Skin lumps and bumps can develop for many different reasons. Some people are more prone to certain growths because of genetic factors, while others develop as a result of ageing, friction, blocked skin structures, infection or previous inflammation and injury.
Common causes include:
- Genetics: Some benign growths, including lipomas, may run in families.
- Blocked Skin Structures: Trapped keratin or blocked hair follicles can lead to epidermal cysts and milia.
- Overgrowth of Fat Cells: Lipomas form from an overgrowth of fatty tissue beneath the skin.
- Enlarged Oil Glands: Sebaceous hyperplasia develops when sebaceous (oil) glands become enlarged, commonly producing small yellowish or skin-coloured bumps on the face.
- Friction: Repeated rubbing may contribute to skin tags, particularly on the neck, underarms and groin.
- Ageing: Seborrhoeic keratoses and other benign growths become increasingly common with age.
- Sun Exposure: Cumulative UV exposure may contribute to certain growths, including sebaceous hyperplasia and some seborrhoeic keratoses.
- Infections: Warts are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Inflammation or Injury: Acne, trauma or previous skin inflammation can occasionally lead to cysts, scars or other persistent lumps.
Often, there is no single identifiable cause. The underlying process influences the type of growth that develops, including lipomas, epidermal cysts, skin tags, milia, seborrhoeic keratoses and sebaceous hyperplasia.
What are the Common Types of Skin Lumps and Bumps?
There are many different types of benign skin growths. Some develop on the surface of the skin, while others form deeper beneath it. Common examples include:
1. Lipoma (The Fatty Lump)
Appearance: A soft, rubbery lump made up of fatty tissue. It usually moves easily beneath the skin and is painless.
Location: Common on the neck, shoulders, back, arms and thighs.
2. Epidermal Cyst (The Sac Under the Skin)
Appearance: A round lump beneath the skin containing keratin. It may feel firm or soft and can occasionally become inflamed, painful or infected.
Location: Common on the face, neck, scalp and trunk.
3. Skin Tags (The Fleshy Growths)
Appearance: Small, soft, skin-coloured or brown growths that often hang from the skin on a short stalk. They are harmless but may become irritated by friction.
Location: Common on the neck, eyelids, underarms and groin.
4. Milia (The Tiny White Bumps)
Appearance: Tiny, firm, white or yellowish bumps caused by keratin trapped just beneath the skin surface. They are harmless and are not acne.
Location: Most commonly found around the eyes and on the cheeks.
5. Seborrhoeic Keratosis (The “Stuck-On” Growth)
Appearance: A benign, waxy, rough or warty growth that can look as though it has been “stuck onto” the skin. Colour ranges from skin-coloured to tan, brown or almost black.
Location: Common on the face, scalp, chest and back.
6. Sebaceous Hyperplasia (Enlarged Oil Glands)
Appearance: Small, soft, skin-coloured or yellowish bumps caused by enlarged sebaceous (oil) glands. They often have a small central depression and may occur in clusters.
Location: Most commonly found on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks and nose.
Although these growths are usually benign, new, changing or unusual lumps and bumps should be assessed by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis before removal.
| Type of Growth | Appearance | Common Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lipoma | Soft, rubbery, movable lump made of fatty tissue; usually painless. | Neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs |
| Epidermal Cyst | Round lump beneath the skin containing keratin; may become inflamed or painful. | Face, neck, scalp, trunk |
| Skin Tags | Small, soft, skin-coloured or brown growths, often on a short stalk. | Neck, eyelids, underarms, groin |
| Milia | Tiny, firm, white or yellowish bumps containing trapped keratin. | Around the eyes, cheeks |
| Seborrhoeic Keratosis | Waxy, rough or warty “stuck-on” growth; skin-coloured to dark brown. | Face, scalp, chest, back |
| Sebaceous Hyperplasia | Small, skin-coloured or yellowish bumps from enlarged oil glands, often with a central depression. | Forehead, cheeks, nose |
What are the Symptoms of Skin Lumps and Bumps?
Most benign skin lumps and bumps do not cause significant symptoms. Common, non-concerning features include:
- Feel: They may feel soft, rubbery or firm and can sometimes be moved slightly under the skin.
- Sensation: Most are painless and cause little or no discomfort. Some may occasionally itch or become irritated, particularly with friction.
- Growth: They often grow slowly or remain unchanged in size for long periods.
- Appearance: Their appearance varies depending on the type of growth. They may be skin-coloured, brown, red or yellowish, with a smooth, waxy or rough surface.
How to Tell the Difference Between Benign vs. Concerning Lumps
Most skin lumps and bumps are harmless. However, certain changes may indicate that a growth should be assessed by a dermatologist. Warning signs include:
- Rapid growth: A lump that grows quickly or continues to increase in size.
- Changes in appearance: New or noticeable changes in colour, shape or texture.
- Irregular features: An uneven shape, irregular borders or multiple colours within the same growth.
- Bleeding or ulceration: A growth that bleeds repeatedly, develops a sore or does not heal.
- New symptoms: Persistent pain, tenderness, itching or other unexplained discomfort.
- Firm or fixed lump: A lump that feels unusually hard or appears firmly attached to the surrounding tissue.
It is not always possible to determine whether a skin growth is benign based on appearance alone. Any new, changing or persistent lump should be examined by a dermatologist, particularly if it has any of the warning signs above. A dermatologist can assess the growth and, where necessary, perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
How are Skin Lumps and Bumps Removed?
The most appropriate treatment depends on the type, size, depth and location of the growth, as well as the reason for removal. Some benign growths do not require treatment, while others may be removed if they cause symptoms, become repeatedly irritated or are cosmetically bothersome.
A dermatologist can assess the growth and recommend the most suitable treatment. If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, a biopsy may be recommended before or as part of removal.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen at approximately −196°C to freeze and destroy targeted skin tissue. It is commonly used for superficial growths such as warts and seborrhoeic keratoses.
Electrocautery
Electrocautery uses controlled heat to remove or destroy selected superficial skin growths. It may be suitable for skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses and sebaceous hyperplasia.
Lasers
Lasers use specific wavelengths of light or energy to treat selected skin growths. CO2 laser can precisely remove or vaporise superficial lesions and may be used for syringomas, sebaceous hyperplasia and other selected benign growths.
Laser treatment is not appropriate for every lump, particularly when tissue needs to be sent for histological examination.
Surgery
Surgical techniques allow a skin lesion to be sampled for diagnosis or completely removed. The technique depends on the nature and depth of the lesion.
- Shave Removal: A raised superficial lesion is removed using a surgical blade.
- Punch Biopsy: A small circular instrument removes a sample of skin for examination under a microscope.
- Excision: The entire lesion is surgically removed and the wound is usually closed with stitches. This is commonly used for deeper lumps such as epidermal cysts and lipomas, or when complete removal and histological examination are required.
| Method | Best For | Procedure | Recovery | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cryotherapy | Warts, seborrhoeic keratoses | Liquid nitrogen freezes the growth. | 1–2 weeks | May need repeat treatment; pigment changes possible. |
| Electrocautery | Skin tags, sebaceous hyperplasia | Controlled heat removes or flattens the growth. | 1–2 weeks | Pigment changes or, rarely, scarring. |
| CO2 Laser | Syringomas, sebaceous hyperplasia, seborrhoeic keratoses | Laser precisely removes targeted tissue. | 1–2 weeks | Some lesions may recur; pigment changes possible. |
| Surgery | Cysts, lipomas, deeper or uncertain growths | Shave, punch or excision under local anaesthesia. | Usually 1–2 weeks | Allows histology; leaves a surgical scar. |
Post-Treatment Care for Skin Lumps and Bumps
Proper aftercare helps the treated area heal well and reduces the risk of infection, scarring and pigmentation changes. Your dermatologist will provide specific instructions depending on the treatment performed.
- Wound Care: Keep the area clean and follow your dermatologist's wound-care instructions. Depending on the procedure, you may be advised to gently wash the area with soap and water and apply petroleum jelly with a clean dressing until it heals.
- Sun Protection: Protect the treated area from direct sun exposure. Once the skin has healed, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to reduce the risk of persistent redness and pigmentation changes.
- Activity: After surgery, avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or activities that may stretch or place friction on the wound for the period recommended by your dermatologist.
- What to Expect: Mild redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising can occur after treatment. Some procedures, such as cryotherapy, electrocautery and laser treatment, may also cause temporary blistering or scabbing. Avoid picking or scratching the treated area.
- When to Seek Medical Attention: Contact your dermatologist if you develop increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, pus or discharge, persistent bleeding, or other concerns about the wound.
Summary
Skin lumps and bumps are common and, in most cases, harmless. However, because different skin growths can sometimes look similar, it is important to have any new, changing or unusual growth assessed by a dermatologist.
At Stephanie Ho Dermatology, treatment is tailored to the type, size, depth and location of the growth, as well as your individual needs. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include surgical removal, CO2 laser, cryotherapy or electrocautery.
If you have a skin lump or bump that you are concerned about or would like removed, book an appointment with our dermatologist for an assessment and personalised treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lumps and Bumps on Your Skin
What Are Skin Growths (Lumps and Bumps)?
Skin lumps and bumps are raised areas that develop on or beneath the skin. They may arise from different structures in the skin, including fat, hair follicles, oil glands, blood vessels and other skin cells.
Most skin growths are benign (non-cancerous), but some may require assessment to confirm the diagnosis, particularly if they are new, changing or causing symptoms.
What Is the Difference Between a Skin Lump and a Bump?
The terms “lump” and “bump” are commonly used to describe different types of skin growths rather than specific medical diagnoses.
A bump generally refers to a smaller, more superficial growth that is visible or raised above the skin, such as a skin tag or seborrhoeic keratosis. A lump often refers to a deeper growth beneath the skin, such as a cyst or lipoma.
A dermatologist can examine the growth to determine what it actually is.
Why Do I Have Bumps on My Skin?
Skin bumps can develop for many reasons. Some result from blocked pores or hair follicles, while others are caused by an overgrowth of normal skin cells, oil glands, blood vessels or other structures within the skin.
Ageing, genetics, sun exposure, friction and certain skin conditions can also contribute to the development of skin bumps.
What Causes Skin Lumps and Bumps?
There is no single cause. Different types of skin growths develop for different reasons. Common contributing factors include:
- Genetics and family history
- Ageing
- Sun exposure
- Friction or irritation
- Blocked hair follicles or oil glands
- Viral infections, such as HPV in some types of warts
- Overgrowth of fat, blood vessels or other skin structures
In many cases, there is no identifiable cause.
What Are the Common Types of Skin Lumps and Bumps?
Common benign skin growths include lipomas, epidermal cysts, skin tags, milia, seborrhoeic keratoses and sebaceous hyperplasia.
A lipoma is a soft fatty lump beneath the skin, while an epidermal cyst is a sac containing keratin. Skin tags are small fleshy growths, milia are tiny keratin-filled bumps, seborrhoeic keratoses are waxy or rough age-related growths, and sebaceous hyperplasia appears as small skin-coloured or yellowish bumps caused by enlarged oil glands.
As different skin conditions can look similar, assessment by a dermatologist is recommended if the diagnosis is uncertain or a growth is new or changing.
How Do I Know if a Skin Lump or Bump Is Dangerous?
Most skin lumps and bumps are harmless. However, you should have a growth assessed by a dermatologist if it:
- grows rapidly or changes noticeably
- develops an irregular shape, border or colour
- repeatedly bleeds or forms an ulcer
- does not heal
- becomes persistently painful or tender
- feels unusually hard or fixed to deeper tissues
Skin cancer can sometimes resemble a benign growth. Appearance alone is not always sufficient to make a diagnosis, and a biopsy may be recommended if there is any uncertainty.
How Can I Get Rid of Skin Lumps and Bumps?
Treatment depends on the type, size, depth and location of the growth. Options may include cryotherapy, electrocautery, CO2 laser, shave removal or surgical excision.
Not every growth needs to be removed. Your dermatologist should first establish the likely diagnosis before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
How Are Lumps and Bumps on the Face Removed?
Facial growths can be treated using cryotherapy, electrocautery, CO2 laser, shave removal or surgical excision, depending on the diagnosis.
Because the face is cosmetically sensitive, treatment should take into account the type, size, depth and location of the growth, as well as the patient's skin type and risk of scarring or pigmentation changes. Treatment by a trained dermatologist experienced in skin surgery and procedural dermatology can help ensure that the most appropriate removal method is selected while aiming for the best possible cosmetic outcome.
If a growth is suspicious or the diagnosis is uncertain, a biopsy or surgical removal may be recommended so that the tissue can be examined under a microscope.
Should I Have a Skin Lump or Bump Removed?
Not necessarily. Many benign skin growths can safely be left alone.
Removal may be considered if the growth is symptomatic, repeatedly irritated, bleeding, increasing in size or cosmetically bothersome. Removal or biopsy may also be recommended when the diagnosis is uncertain or there is concern about skin cancer.
Is Skin Lump and Bump Removal Painful?
Most procedures are well tolerated, and we use numbing cream wherever possible to minimise discomfort. For procedures requiring local anaesthetic injections, you may feel a brief sting during the injection, after which the treated area should remain comfortably numb throughout the procedure. Mild tenderness or discomfort may occur afterwards and usually settles as the area heals.
Will Removing a Skin Lump or Bump Leave a Scar?
Any procedure that breaks the skin has the potential to leave a scar or pigmentation change.
The extent depends on the type and size of the growth, treatment method, location, skin type and individual healing response. Surgical excision results in a linear scar, while cryotherapy, electrocautery and laser treatment can sometimes cause temporary or permanent changes in skin colour and, less commonly, scarring.
Your dermatologist can discuss the expected cosmetic outcome before treatment.
Can a Skin Lump or Bump Grow Back After Removal?
Yes. The likelihood of recurrence depends on the type and depth of the growth, as well as how it is removed.
Superficial skin growths can usually be removed easily and, once adequately treated, are unlikely to recur at the same site. Deeper growths may extend further beneath the skin. If only the superficial portion is removed, some of the growth may remain and there is a higher chance of recurrence.
For lesions such as cysts, complete removal of the cyst wall helps reduce the risk of recurrence. Some people may also develop new, unrelated growths elsewhere over time, which is different from recurrence of the original lesion.
How Much Does Skin Lump and Bump Removal Cost in Singapore?
The cost varies depending on the type, number, size, depth and location of the growths, as well as the complexity of the treatment required.
A consultation is usually required first so that the dermatologist can establish the diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment. Additional costs may apply for surgical removal, laboratory examination of tissue (histology), medications or follow-up care.
For medically necessary procedures, some costs may be eligible for insurance or other healthcare financing depending on the procedure and the patient's coverage. A detailed fee estimate can be provided after assessment.