Benign skin lesions
Benign skin lesions are common non-malignant growths such as seborrhoeic keratoses, epidermoid cysts, dermatofibromas, skin tags, lipomas and naevi; the high-yield skill is recognising reassuring patterns while identifying the changing, symptomatic or atypical lesion that needs specialist assessment or biopsy.
Definition
Benign skin lesions are non-malignant growths or structural changes involving the epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, hair follicle or melanocytes. Common examples include seborrhoeic keratoses, epidermoid cysts, dermatofibromas, skin tags, lipomas and melanocytic naevi; they must be distinguished from pre-malignant and malignant mimics.
First principles
Diagnose the pattern before offering reassurance
Most common benign lesions have a characteristic morphology, distribution, consistency and time course. Ask what has changed, examine the whole lesion and surrounding skin, and use dermoscopy when trained and available. A lesion should not be called benign simply because it is common, pigmented or present for a long time.
This page is exam revision material, not medical advice, and must not be used for patient care. Always check drug doses against the BNF and current guidance. Full disclaimer.