Benign Tumours of the Skin Flashcards
What is seborrhoeic keratosis?
a benign growth of epidermal keratinocytes of unknown aetiology
they can be pink or light brown to almost black in colour
Who tends to be affected by seborrhoeic keratoses?
Found in middle-aged and elderly people
What does seborrhoeic keratoses look like?
It can range from one lesion to many (sometimes >100) present
it is asymptomatic and a sign of skin aging
Where is usually affected by seborrhoeic keratoses?
usually on the face and trunk
What are the clinical features of seborrhoeic keratoses?
- warty greasy papules or nodules
- well-defined borders
- variable colour from light pink to dark
- “stuck on” apperance
What is the treatment for seborrhoeic keratoses?
usually no treatment is required
may be removed if they catch on clothing or for cosmetic reasons
What is a lipoma and what causes it?
A lipoma is a fatty tumour located just below the skin
It is caused by adipose tissue proliferation but aetiology is not fully understood
Who tends to be affected by lipoma?
it usually occur in middle-aged people
solitary lipomas are more common in women and multiple are more common in men
What is thought to cause lipoma?
The aetiology is unknown but it is possible that genetics or physical trauma have a role
It is unclear whether the trauma causes a lipoma to form, or the lipoma is discovered as a result of medical attention to that area of the body
What are the clinical features of lipoma?
- slow-growing (takes years)
- soft, smooth, mobile subcutaenous nodule
What is the treatment for lipoma?
Usually no treatment is required
It may be surgically removed if it is impacting on nearby muscles
What is a potential complication of lipoma?
liposarcoma but this is very rare
What are alternative names for epidermoid cysts?
- follicular infundibular cyst
- epidermal cyst
- keratin cyst
What is an epidermoid cyst?
a benign cyst derived from the infundibulum or upper portion of a hair follicle
it is encapsulated in a thin layer of epidermis-like epithelium
they are typically filled with keratin and lipid-rich debris
Who tends to be affected by epidermoid cysts and in which locations?
they usually occur in adults
males are affected 2x more often than females
common affected sites are the face, neck and trunk
What causes epidermoid cysts?
What symptoms do they present with?
they are caused by epidermal cell proliferation
they are usually asymptomatic
What are the clinical features of epidermoid cysts?
- they can be skin-coloured or yellow
- firm, round nodules
- may have a central punctum
- may have offensive smelling keratinous contents
What is the treatment for epidermois cysts?
usually no treatment is required
antibiotics are given if infection occurs
What is a dermatofibroma?
a benign fibrous nodule usually found on the skin of the lower legs
it involves overgrowth of fibrous tissue situated in the dermis
Who tends to be affected by a dermatofibroma?
Where do they usually occur?
affects all ages but is more common in females
common on the lower legs, often from after an insect bite
eruptions of dermatofibromas may occur in immunosuppressed people
What causes dermatofibromas and how do they present?
caused by fibroblast proliferation
it is often asymptomatic but may be itchy and/or painful
What are the clinical features of dermatofibromas?
- firm, fibrous, dermal nodules or papules
- usually <1cm diameter
- pale centre
- the skin dimples upon compression
What is an alternative name for Campbell de Morgan spots?
cherry angiomas
What is an angioma (or haemangioma)?
a benign vascular skin lesion
it is due to proliferating endothelial cells that line the inside of the blood vessel
What do Campbell de Morgan spots look like?
an asymptomatic firm red, blue or purple papule that is 0.1-1cm in diameter
when thrombosed it can appear black in colour
Where are Campbell de Morgan spots found?
Who tends to be affected?
They are common on the mid-trunk
The number of spots increases with age from around the age of 40
75% of people over 75 years have them but they can also occur in young people
What causes Campbell de Morgan spots?
the aetiology is unknown
they are caused by endothelial cell proliferation and subsequent blood vessel overgrowth
What are the clinical features of Campbell de Morgan spots?
- red / purple / black papules or macules
What is the treatment for Campbell de Morgan spots?
Usually no treatment is required but they may be removed for cosmetic reasons
What is a fibroendothelial polyp?
a skin tag
this is very common benign skin lesion that is usually found in intertriginous areas of the skin
(where two skin areas may touch or rub together)
Who is affected by fibroendothelial polyps?
They are very common and can affect anyone but will develop with age
They are commonly found in skin folds e.g. axillae
What causes a fibroepithelial polyp?
The aetiology is not fully understood but some factors involved are thought to be:
- skin irritation
- insulin resistance
- HPV
- high levels of growth factor hormones
What are the clinical features of fibroepithelial polyps?
- usually skin-coloured
- vary in size
- may be removed for cosmetic reasons
