Skin Tag or Skin Cancer? How to Tell the Difference
Key Points:
- Understand the key visual and behavioral differences between skin tags and potential skin cancer.
- Learn when to seek a professional skin evaluation.
- Trust Clearview Dermatology’s experts serving Arvada, Littleton, and Evergreen, CO.
It's easy to confuse harmless skin growths with something more serious. At Clearview Dermatology, we want to help you stay informed and proactive about your skin health. If you're wondering whether a bump is a skin tag or skin cancer, here's what you need to know.
What is a Skin Tag?
A skin tag is a benign (non-cancerous) growth made of collagen and blood vessels surrounded by skin. Skin tags are:
- Small and soft
- Flesh-colored or slightly darker
- Often found in areas where skin rubs together (like the neck, armpits, or groin)
- Painless, unless irritated
They are very common and generally not a cause for concern unless they become bothersome.
Warning Signs It May Be Skin Cancer
Unlike skin tags, skin cancers can:
- Grow rapidly over weeks or months
- Have irregular shapes or borders
- Appear multicolored (red, brown, black, or white)
- Bleed, crust, or not heal properly
- Feel tender, itchy, or painful
Types of Skin Cancers to Watch For
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Often looks like a pearly bump or flat scar-like area.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): May appear as a rough, scaly patch or open sore.
- Melanoma: Typically shows irregular borders and color variation, and can develop within a mole or on otherwise normal skin.
How to Tell the Difference
| Feature | Skin Tag | Potential Skin Cancer |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Rate | Very slow | Rapid |
| Color | Flesh-colored | Multicolored or changing |
| Shape | Smooth and round | Irregular or asymmetrical |
| Sensation | Painless | May itch, bleed, or hurt |
| Healing | Stable over time | May not heal or worsens |
If you notice changes in size, color, or feel, it’s important to have it examined by a dermatologist.
When to See a Dermatologist
Even if you think it’s just a skin tag, it’s smart to schedule an evaluation if you notice:
- Rapid growth
- Bleeding or oozing
- Persistent pain or irritation
- Changes in color or shape
Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment if cancer is present.
Schedule Your Skin Evaluation Today
Concerned about a new or changing spot on your skin? Clearview Dermatology offers expert evaluations at our Arvada, Littleton, and Evergreen locations.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Your skin health is too important to leave to chance!
