Dermatology & Surgery Center > General Dermatology > Growths

Growths

Growths can appear on the surface of the skin or just below the surface at any time from birth through adulthood. Most growths can be classified as moles or cysts, and are generally harmless, although in some cases they can lead to more serious conditions. It is important to pay close attention to any growths on or below your skin, and consult the specialists at Trillium Creek to determine if treatment is required.

Moles
A mole or nevus (plural: nevi) is a cluster of melanocytes which are the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives skin color). Moles (nevi) are very common and almost always non-cancerous. They can be flat (junctional nevi) or raised (compound nevi) and are usually smaller than a pencil eraser. Color ranges from pink to brown and shape ranges from round to oval. Sun protection is the best way to avoid moles from developing, especially in adults.

Moles (or nevi) are very common and almost always non-cancerous

Treatment
Most moles are completely harmless and do not require treatment. Those that appear before age 40 may tend to fade away with age. Moles can be surgically removed and will generally not reappear. Your Trillium Creek Medical Professional can remove moles quickly with minimal pain and no downtime.
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Monitoring moles is an important step in early detection of skin cancer. It is especially important to track moles that appear after the age of 20. Changes in size, shape or color are signs that may indicate a medical concern, as are pain, itching, burning, oozing, bleeding, scaling or crusting. If you find a suspicious area on your skin, contact us right away. We also recommend a yearly full body exam by a Trillium Creek Medical Professional who is trained to detect areas of concern on your skin.
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In rare cases, moles may become cancerous melanomas. Not all melanomas develop from moles, but many do begin at or near the site of a mole or other dark spot on the skin. Patients with suspicious areas on the skin are referred to the Mohs Skin Cancer Center at Trillium Creek.

Cysts
In general, cysts are harmless sac-like growths that are filled with a whitish-brown material. They can occur throughout the body, including the ovaries, pancreas and joints. The most common type of cysts to affect the skin are called epidermoid cysts. They appear just beneath the surface of the skin and are most frequently seen on the face, neck and torso.

It is not clear why cysts form, although smoking has been linked to the development of cysts. Cysts can be present at birth and the condition can run in families.

Epidermoid cysts are most frequently seen on the face, neck and torso

Treatment
Small cysts below the skin are, in general, completely harmless and do not require treatment. If a cyst becomes infected, your Trillium Creek Medical Professional may prescribe oral antibiotics to fight the infection, and may drain the contents of the cyst to relieve pressure and discomfort. However, the cyst may recur because the sac wall has not been removed.

Cysts can be surgically removed, and by removing the sac or cyst wall, they generally do not reappear. Your Trillium Creek Medical Professional can remove cysts quickly with minimal pain and no downtime.
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Other Trillium Creek Service Areas:
Mohs Skin Cancer Center 330.721.9990
Ohio Holistic Medicine (OHM) 330.721.9990
The Boutique at Trillium Creek 330.722.5477