How are skin growths commonly diagnosed and treated?

In general, all skin growths will be diagnosed with a physical examination by a medical practitioner and if deemed necessary, a biopsy will be taken (a sample of the growth is taken for analysis under a microscope and testing in a laboratory). Sometimes, further testing may be needed. This will depend on the type of growth and the possible underlying cause. Often, a doctor will be able to recognise a type of growth through a physical examination alone.

A medical doctor should be consulted when any growth develops or is noted on the body. He or she will be able to determine whether it is malignant (cancerous) or not. If there is any indication of change to a particular marking or growth, it is important for a doctor to evaluate and determine whether there are any signs of cutaneous malignancy.

Treatment will depend on the type of skin growth diagnosed. Many that are benign may not require treatment and clear on their own over a certain period of time. Sometimes an underlying cause may require treatment, which will help to clear problematic areas.

Benign skin growths that are more bothersome on a cosmetic level and do not clear on their own may sometimes be removed. Doctors can do this using an electric needle, laser, scalpel or by means of freezing with liquid nitrogen.