The ENWH Guide for
Benign Skin
Lesions.
Spots, bumps and growths that are non-cancerous are extremely common. Learn the names people often hear, the features they may have and why an uncertain lesion should still be assessed.
Benign means non-cancerous
Common does not always mean,
easy to identify.
Benign lesions do not invade nearby tissue or spread through the body. Many have recognisable patterns, but different lesions can look alike—and a skin cancer can sometimes resemble a harmless spot. Use this page to learn the language, not to diagnose yourself. If somethings doesn't seem right always get it assessed by a professional.
Guide
Begin with what you notice.
These groups describe common appearances only. Colour and presentation can vary between people and across different skin tones.
01
Common Appearance
Waxy, rough or pigmented
Common surface growths may feel rough, waxy or appear to sit on top of the skin.
Seborrhoeic keratosis
Often waxy, warty or ‘stuck on'. A very common non-cancerous growth that can be tan, brown, black or skin-coloured. It may be flat or raised, and its surface can look waxy or rough.
Click here to find out more on Seb k's
Solar lentigo
Often called an age spot or sunspot. Solar lentigines commonly develop on areas that have received years of sun exposure. Often A flat, well-defined brown patch
Click here to find out more on solar lentigo
Benign mole
Benign melanocytic naevi vary widely. Many are symmetrical, remain stable and may be flat, raised, skin-coloured or pigmented. Usually even in shape and colour.
Click here to find out more on benign mole's
02
Common Appearance
Red or vascular
Some benign lesions form from small blood vessels and appear red, purple or blue.
Cherry angioma
A small bright-red or purple spot. A common benign vascular growth that may be flat or raised. They often become more numerous with age and can bleed if caught or scratched.
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Spider angioma
A central red dot with fine vessels. A small collection of visible blood vessels with fine lines radiating from a central point. They can occur in children and adults.
Click here to find out more on spider angioma
03
Common Appearance
Soft, fleshy or raised
Friction, age and individual skin tendencies can contribute to soft raised growths.
Skin tag
A soft growth on a small stalk. Skin tags commonly appear around the neck, underarms, groin or other areas of friction. They are harmless but may become irritated by clothing or jewellery.
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Milia
A tiny firm white bump. Milia are small keratin-filled cysts often seen around the eyes or cheeks. They are not acne and usually cause no symptoms.
Click here to find out more on milia
Sebaceous hyperplasia
A small yellowish facial bump. Enlarged sebaceous glands can create soft, dome-shaped bumps, often with a small central dip, particularly on the forehead and cheeks.
Click here to find out more on sebaceous hyperplasia
04
Common Appearance
Firm or beneath the skin
Some benign lesions arise deeper in the skin and may be felt more easily than they are seen.
Dermatofibroma
A firm bump that may dimple. A common fibrous lesion, often on the legs. It may be pink, tan or brown and can form a small dimple when gently pinched.
Click here to find out more on dermatofibroma
Epidermoid cyst
A round lump, sometimes with a pore. A slow-growing cyst beneath the skin filled with keratin. It may become red, tender or inflamed if it ruptures or becomes infected.
Click here to find out more on epidermoid cyst
Lipoma
A soft, mobile fatty lump. A benign growth of fat beneath the skin. Lipomas are usually soft, rubbery, slow-growing and move slightly when pressed.
Click here to find out more on lipoma
Compare at a glance
Describe first,
do not guess.
When asking for advice, clear observations are more helpful than trying to name the lesion yourself.
01
Surface
Flat, waxy, rough, smooth, scaly or crusted?
03
Feel
Soft, firm, mobile, tender, itchy or painless?
02
Colour
Skin-coloured, brown, black, red, purple or mixed?
04
Timeline
New, stable, slowly growing or changing quickly?
Quick Answers
Start with your,
questions
Can a benign lesion change?
Some benign lesions can slowly enlarge, darken or become irritated over time. Because change can also be important, arrange an assessment if a lesion changes noticeably or you are unsure.
Should I remove a benign lesion?
Not necessarily. Removal may be considered if it catches, bleeds, becomes uncomfortable, affects daily life or is unwanted cosmetically. It should be identified correctly before treatment.
Can I remove a lesion at home?
No. Home cutting, burning, freezing or tying-off can cause bleeding, infection, scarring and delayed diagnosis. Have an uncertain lesion professionally assessed before considering removal.
Why do benign lesions increase with age?
Age, genetics, friction, hormones and accumulated environmental exposure can all influence the types and number of benign growths that develop.
Listen and Learn
Podcasts and Videos.
Skin Knowledge.
Simple explanations you can watch/listen to help improve your skin knowledge! Also available on Apple Podcasts and YouTube
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