BENIGN LESIONS
IN WILTON, CT
SEBORRHEIC KERATOSES
Seborrheic Keratoses (SK’s) are brown warty growths that have a “stuck on” appearance. SK can have a wide variety of presentations so it is important to see a qualified board certified provider that has experience in distinguishing them from other types of skin growths. Sometimes they are not just a cosmetic concern as they can become itchy, and depending on the area, can be subject to irritation and trauma. Our DCNP first evaluates the lesions with a dermatoscope, a tool that requires training and experience to use effectively. If there is any doubt of the diagnosis she will refer you to a full service dermatology practice with Board Certified Dermatologists, NP’s and PA’s for further evaluation and treatment. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, they can be frozen off with liquid nitrogen. Thicker, more difficult to treat lesions can be burned and scraped depending on the area.
CHERRY ANGIOMAS
Cherry Angiomas are one of the most common vascular growths. They present as bright red, usually flat spots ranging from pinpoint to 3-5mm in size. They can occur anywhere on the body but are mostly seen on the trunk and scalp. Typically they occur in the fourth and fifth decades of life. Since they are benign, they do not have to be treated, but many people ask to have them treated for cosmetic reasons. They can be treated with electrodessication or with laser.
SKIN TAGS
Skin tags, also known as acrochordans, or fibroepithelial polyp are benign fleshy growths that typically appear of the underarms, neck and groin. People very often seek treatment not only for cosmetic reasons but because they become irritated by jewelry or clothing. They are uncommon in children and increase with age; roughly half the population ahs them. There is a familial predisposition to get skin tags and they are more often seen in women vs. men, particularly after pregnancy and with weight gain. As with all lesions, once they are evaluated, if there is any doubt of the diagnosis our NP will refer you to a full service dermatology practice with Board Certified Dermatologists, NP’s and PA’s for further evaluation and treatment. Once the diagnosis is confirmed the skin tags can be destroyed or removed in a number of ways, typically they are excised (cut-off) or frozen with liquid nitrogen.