Spider Veins (a.k.a. Telangiectasia)
These are small blood vessels that appear prominent through the skin. Spider veins are common on the side of the nose, the cheeks, and the forehead. They can develop after skin surgery and may be present in rosacea (see below).
Liver Spots (a.k.a. Lentigos)
Liver Spots are brown, well-demarcated spots. They can appear anywhere on the face or neck and may be the result of sun exposure. Lentigo blemishes are flat.
Skin Tags (a.k.a. Acrochordons; Fibro-epithelial Polyps)
These are common brown or pale skin growths that occur frequently around the eyes, neck, and other parts of the face and body. They have a narrow stalk and can be easily removed in the office.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that is sometimes mistaken for adult acne. It most commonly affects people in their 40s and 50s and may worsen with time. Most rosacea sufferers flush easily. They have varying degrees of redness of cheeks and nose, small pimples, and small spider veins.
Seborrheic Keratosis
These are raised brown skin growths that appear with age. They have a rough surface and can appear anywhere on the face, as sun exposure does not appear to play a role in their development. With time, their color may darken, which can lead to concern, although they are benign and can be treated in the office.
Cherry Angiomas (a.k.a. Cherry Hemangiomas)
Cherry Hemangiomas or Cherry Angiomas are small red or purple nodules that represent an abnormal growth of blood vessels. They occur later in life and can be effectively treated with minimal-invasive techniques.
Actinic Keratosis (a.k.a. Solar Keratosis)
This is a scaly pinkish plaque of the sun-exposed skin. They are common in middle-aged people of pale skin types. Because actinic keratosis carries an approximately 15% risk of developing into skin cancer (squamous cell cancer), they should be watched and treated.
Keratoacanthoma
Keratoacanthoma is a common nodule, often with a central pit, usually found on sun-exposed parts of the body. Because of its appearance, it can be easily confused with squamous cell cancer. Keratoacanthomas should be removed.
Mole (a.k.a. Nevus)
Moles are skin lesions of light brown to light brown color. Sometimes, moles are of normal skin color or even pale. They represent a benign growth of nevus cells, which are normally present in the skin. Depending on the location of these nevus cells within the various layers of the skin, nevi can be flat (macule) or raised (nodule). Development into cancer (i.e., melanoma) is very rare.
Wen (a.k.a. Sebaceous Cyst; Epidermal Inclusion Cyst; Keratinous Cyst; Pilar Cyst)
This is a cystic growth filled with a paste-like cheesy material. These skin cysts often get bigger as more material collects inside. Sometimes, cysts become infected and inflamed, and treatment may be required.
Fatty tumor (a.k.a. lipoma)
Lipoma is a benign growth originating from fat cells. They may appear as soft bumps in the skin of varying sizes. Lipomas usually grow slowly and should be removed surgically.
