Side Effect: Benign Skin Tumor

What is a Benign Skin Tumor?

• A benign skin tumor is a non-cancerous growth that arises from the skin. These are typically slow-growing and do not spread to other parts of the body.
• Benign skin tumors may form from different cells in the skin including the outer layer (also called epidermis), hair follicles, or sweat glands.
• Benign skin tumors can vary in size, appearance, and location.

What does a Benign Skin Tumor look like?

There are various appearances associated with benign skin tumors, depending upon the type of tumor and the location on the skin. Generally, it is important to remember the acronym “ABCDE” when observing the skin. This refers to a mnemonic used that helps distinguish a benign skin tumor from a cancer like melanoma. Things to observe include:

• A = asymmetry
  • Question: does each side look identical if divided in half, or different?
• B = border
  • Question: does it have defined, smooth and clear borders?
• C = color
  • Question: is it one color or multiple colors?
• D = diameter
  • Question: has it stayed the same size versus increased or decreased?
• E = evolving
  • Question: has it changed in size, shape, or color? (typically, benign skin tumors do not)

In general, benign skin tumors have a well-defined border and a uniform color, and they may appear as a bump, nodule, or flat lesion on the skin.

Additionally, there are multiple benign skin lesions that all look and feel a little different. Some common types include:

• Dermatofibroma: a firm, dome-shaped nodule with a dimple in the middle
• Seborrheic keratosis: a brown or black raised lesion with a scaly surface
• Lipoma: a soft lump that moves easily under the skin

Who gets Benign Skin Tumors?

Patients with cancer are not necessarily at a higher risk of developing benign skin tumors compared to the general population, although some cancer treatments do increase the risk. There are certain types of benign skin tumors that are more popular in certain individuals.

• For example, dermatofibroma is more common in males and seborrheic keratosis is more common in older individuals.
• Lipomas can be hereditary (if a family member has one, it is more likely to develop in another family member).
• Lastly. patients are at an increased risk of developing a benign skin tumor in a spot that was previously irradiated.

How long do Benign Skin Tumors last?

Benign skin tumors can last as little as a few days up to the remainder of a patient’s life. In some cases, the benign skin tumor resolves on its own. In other cases, it may remain present until surgically removed.

How do you prevent Benign Skin Tumors?

Preventing benign skin tumors in patients with cancer involves avoiding exposures that put a patient at risk of tumor development. These include:

• excessive sun exposure
• immunosuppression (although this can be more difficult while receiving chemotherapy)
• Radiation exposure may also cause a development of benign skin tumors in the radiated area, so regular skin exams are important.
  • Regular skin exams help detect and monitor any skin changes that may indicate a benign or malignant tumor.

How do you treat Benign Skin Tumors?

Benign skin tumor treatment in patients with cancer depend upon the subtype and location of the tumor. Additional factors include the patient’s overall health and cancer status. Different options are available including:

• Excision (removal of the lesion by first numbing the area and then cutting it out)
• Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
• Laser therapy
• Observation [keeping in the mind the acronym “ABCDE” as explained above]

In some cases, the tumor may be left untreated and in other cases an intervention might be necessary to remove the tumor, especially if it is causing pain or discomfort.