Overview of skin growths

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Cells of the skin and underlying tissue may accumulate and cause growths. Growths may be raised or flat and range in color from dark brown or black to skin-colored to red. They may be present at birth or develop later.

When the growth is controlled and the cells do not spread to other parts of the body, the skin growth (tumor) is noncancerous (benign). When the growth is uncontrolled, the tumor is cancerous (malignant), and the cells invade normal tissue and may even spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

Most skin growths are noncancerous. However, people should see a doctor to determine whether a growth is skin cancer. Noncancerous skin growths are often more of a cosmetic problem than anything else.