Surgical Removal of lumps, cysts, skin lesions, and warts

What Are Skin Lesions?

Skin Lesions are bumps such as moles, cysts, warts, or skin tags. Most are benign (non-cancerous), but they can be painful, unsightly or restrict movement; you may want to have them removed. Most skin lesions do not cause serious problems, but you may want to have them removed for practical or cosmetic reasons.

Moles

A mole is a spot on the skin that is usually round or oval in shape. It may be small or large and range in color (brown, pink, red, or black). A skin mole may be flat, or it may be raised.

The skin mole is referred to in medical terms as a nevus. Skin moles are extremely common; one may find moles on any part of the body. A skin mole can be removed using several different methods.

Cyst

A cyst is generally formed on the surface of an organ (can also develop on various internal organs). Most cysts are harmless (benign). They are usually, filled with air, infected fluids or semi-solid substances such as sebum.

A cyst may be caused by a defect during fetal development, an infection, or some unknown reason. Many people may notice small, hard lumps under their forearms or wrists, for example. These lumps are a form of cyst called a sebaceous cyst. A lump in the wrist may be a ganglion cyst. Some people develop a cyst on their vocal cords. It is not unusual to discover a cyst under one’s scalp or face.

While a cyst may not be harmful or cancerous, it can be extremely painful. Surgical intervention may be necessary if the cyst does not drain naturally.

Warts

Warts are small lumps that often develop on the skin of the hands, feet, genital, and anal area. They vary in appearance and may develop singly or in clusters. Its usually a small, non-cancerous tumor that grows on top of the skin. Warts often resemble a solid blister or a cauliflower and can seem either very light or very dark compared to the surrounding skin. Warts are usually painless but can cause burning or itching.

Warts are caused by a viral infection called the human papillomavirus virus (HPV). The HPV is contagious and can be passed from person to person by direct or indirect contact. The virus can also spread from one body location to another. The virus enters the body through an area of skin that is cracked, peeling, or moist. However, not everyone with HPV develops warts.

There are many kinds of warts, including:

Common warts

usually grow on the fingers or the backs of the hands and are sometimes called “seed warts”

Plantar warts

grow on the pressure points on the bottom of the feet, and large numbers of these warts may cause difficulty with walking, running, jumping, and even standing. These warts may look like callous, thus, it is important to get a doctor’s diagnosis.

Genital warts

grow on the genitals, in the pubic area, between the thighs, and inside the vagina and anal canal. They are transmitted through sexual activity.

Sebaceous cyst

These are round cysts filled with keratin, which is a protein produced by skin cells that gives strength and flexibility. The cyst communicates with the skin through a small round keratin-filled plug.

Abscess

An abscess is a collection of pus. Pus is a thick fluid that usually contains white blood cells, dead tissue, and germs (bacteria). The usual cause of an abscess is an infection with bacteria. Antibiotics are usually prescribed, and the pus usually needs to be drained away. This involves a small operation to cut the top of the skin and allow the pus to drain.

What is the removal of a lump or bump?

This is the surgical removal of a lump in the skin, such as a mole or epidermal cyst or of the fat that lies just beneath it – e.g. a lipoma. Usually, this procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic. This means you will be awake for the procedure.

The Doctor at Council ring Road Clinic will remove the lump and may send the specimen for analysis. The wound maybe be closed with some stitches, and the type of stitch will vary depending on the type of lump that is removed. Sometimes these are dissolvable and sometimes they will require removal.

Why are lumps and bumps usually removed?

May cause symptoms like itching or bleeding. Occasionally, they will catch on clothes or prevent hair brushing if located on the scalp. Patients may also have them removed because of cosmetic problems. If any lump is growing in size or shape, or if there is some doubt as to the exact diagnosis, your doctor may recommend removing the lump to confirm the diagnosis by looking at it under a microscope. This is known as an excision biopsy.

How Can We Help
We can remove your moles, cysts, warts, or abscess.

Many simple procedures such as wart, cyst, mole, and skin tag removals can be performed at Torrance Memorial Physician Network. These are done in our offices and can include standard surgery, freezing, cautery or laser.

Feel free to ask your doctor about our skin lesion removal options.

Get Your Medical Checkup at Council Ring Family Clinic Today!