| Skin Growth | Characteristics | Treatment |
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| Dermatofibromas | Small, firm, red or brown bumps caused by an accumulation of fibroblasts (soft tissue cells under the skin). They often occur on the legs and may itch. | Dermatofibromas can be surgically removed if they become painful or itchy. |
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| Dermoid cyst | A benign tumor which is made up of hairs, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. Some internal dermoid tumors may even contain cartilage, bone fragments, and teeth. | Dermoid cysts may be surgically removed for cosmetic reasons. |
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| Freckles | Darkened, flat spots that typically appear only on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Freckles are common in people with blond or red hair. | No treatment is necessary for freckles. |
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| Keloids | Smooth, firm, raised, fibrous growths on the skin that form in wound sites. Keloids are more common in African-Americans. | Keloids respond poorly to most treatment approaches. Injections of corticosteroid drugs may help to flatten keloids. Other treatment approaches may include surgery or silicone patches to further flatten the keloids. |
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| Lipomas | Round or oval lumps under the skin caused by fatty deposits. Lipomas are more common in women and tend to appear on the forearms, torso, and back of the neck. | Lipomas are generally harmless, but if the lipoma changes shape, your physician may perform a biopsy. Treatment may include surgical removal if the lipoma bothers the child. |
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| Moles (nevi) | Small skin marks caused by pigment-producing cells in the skin. Moles can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some contain hair. Most moles are dark brown or black, but some are skin-colored or yellowish. Moles can change over time and often respond to hormonal changes. | Most moles are benign and no treatment is necessary. Some benign moles may develop into skin cancer (melanoma). See below for signs. |
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| Atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) | Larger than normal moles (more than a half inch across), atypical moles are not always round. Atypical moles can be tan to dark brown, on a pink background. These types of moles may occur anywhere on the body. | Treatment may include removal of any atypical mole that changes in color, shape, and/or diameter. In addition, people with atypical moles should avoid sun exposure, since sunlight may accelerate changes in atypical moles. Persons with atypical moles should consult a physician for any changes that may indicate skin cancer. |
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| Pyogenic granulomas | Red, brown, or bluish-black, raised marks caused by excessive growth of capillaries (small blood vessels) and swelling. Pyogenic granulomas usually form after an injury to the skin. | Some pyogenic granulomas disappear without treatment. Sometimes, a biopsy is necessary to rule out cancer. Treatment may include surgical removal. |
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