Introduction
The dermatologist’s main aim is to confirm that they are benign, rule out any malignant lesion and suggest treatment only when it is justified.
Symptoms
- Slow growth
- Size stable over time
- No pain
- Sometimes a cosmetic concern or irritation from friction
- Natural skin ageing
- Genetic and hormonal factors
- Cumulative sun exposure
- Repeated minor trauma
Causes
Diagnosis
- Full dermatological skin examination
- Dermoscopy to analyse the deeper structure of the lesion
- Comparison with the criteria for benign lesions
- Follow-up photographs if necessary
- Biopsy or excision only if doubt persists
Treatments
- Remaining diagnostic doubt
- Significant cosmetic concern
- Practical problems (friction, bleeding, pain)
- Specific request from the patient after medical advice
- Simple monitoring
- Local surgical excision
- Electrocoagulation or cryotherapy (depending on the lesion)
- Dermatological laser
- not routine