are skin tags cancerous
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, and people with fair skin and light eyes whose skin has a tendency to burn easily in the sun are most susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun's UV rays. Learn to spot the signs of skin cancer ». We have occasionally received questions about skin tags and whether these are a form of skin cancer. The most recent question involved a skin tag located under the breast. While skin tags are not cancerous, it is important to be aware of any growths and monitor them to make sure you contact your doctor if there is a problem. If you do have skin tags, be sure to note the location and the appearance when doing a self-exam so you can monitor the growth. There are several skin lesions that are very common and benign (non-cancerous). These conditions include moles, freckles, skin tags, benign lentigines, and seborrheic keratoses. Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. Skin tags are very common small, soft skin growths. Skin tags are harmless but can be annoying. Skin tags tend to occur on the eyelids, neck, armpits, groin folds, and under breasts. A person may have anywhere from one to hundreds of skin tags. Almost everyone will develop a skin tag at some point in their lives. A skin tag is a soft, skin-colored growth that hangs from the surface of the skin on a thin piece of tissue called a stalk. Its medical name is acrochordon. Skin tags are not skin cancers and cannot turn into skin cancers. Skin tags typically appear as people age. They are quite common in people 60 and older. A tendency to develop skin tags may run in families. Skin tags often develop after weight gain or pregnancy. Skin tags (acrochordon), a soft growth that hangs or protrudes from the skin, are considered tumors; however, they are rarely malignant. They usually are not harmful. Skin tags usually occur where skin rubs against skin, such as on the eyelids, armpits, under the breasts, in the groin or on the upper chest and neck. Skin tags are soft, small, flesh-colored or slightly darker skin growths that develop mostly on the neck, in the armpits, or in the groin area. Usually, skin tags cause no trouble, but they may be unattractive, and clothing or nearby skin may rub and irritate them so that they bleed or hurt. Find out if a skin tag ever means skin cancer from board-certified dermatologist Ahmet Altiner in this Howcast video. What is a skin tag, and does it ever mean it’s cancerous? This is a difficult question to answer, as people perceive different growths as skin tags. Traditionally, skin tags happen in the armpits and around the neck. They’re benign growths of the skin that are absolutely skin-colored. Melanoma is a cancer that develops in melanocytes, the pigment cells present in the skin. It can be more serious than the other forms of skin cancer because it may spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and cause serious illness and death. Most doctors recommend removal of skin tags only when they are irritated or a source of discomfort, or if they constitute a cosmetic problem. Skin tags can be easily removed in the doctor's office by tying or cutting them after injecting a small amount of a local anesthetic.
No, skin tags are not cancerous.