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Skin tag

Small benign skin tumor

Summary

Small benign skin tumor

Field	Value
name	Skin tag
synonyms	Acrochordon, acrochorda, skin polyp, fibroepithelial polyp, fibrovascular papilloma, soft fibroma, fibroma molle
image	NeckAcrochordons.jpg
caption	Several acrochorda in the skin of the lower neck, with soft consistency, the bottom acrochordon taking a pedunculated shape
field	Dermatology

A skin tag, or acrochordon (: acrochorda), is a small benign tumor that forms primarily in areas where the skin forms creases (or rubs together), such as the neck, armpit and groin. They may also occur on the face, usually on the eyelids. Though tags up to 1/2 in long have been seen, they are typically the size of a grain of rice. The surface of an acrochordon may be smooth or irregular in appearance and is often raised from the surface of the skin on a fleshy stalk called a peduncle. Microscopically, an acrochordon consists of a fibrovascular core, sometimes also with fat cells, covered by an unremarkable epidermis. However, tags may become irritated by shaving, clothing, jewelry, or dermatitis.

Etiology

Pedunculated]] acrochordon, [[H&E stain]]ed to show its structure as a fibrous mass covered with epithelium of varied thickness

Skin tags are thought to occur from skin rubbing against skin, since they are often found in skin creases and folds. Studies have shown existence of low-risk human papillomaviruses 6 and 11 in skin tags, hinting at a possible role in their pathogenesis, although a 2012 study found no association between skin tags and either low- or high-risk HPV. Acrochorda have been reported to have a prevalence of 46% in the general population. A causal genetic component is thought to exist. There is no link between acrochorda and gender. They were once thought to be associated with colorectal polyps, but studies have shown no such connection exists. Rarely, they can be associated with Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome, acromegaly, or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Elevated blood sugar and insulin are linked to an increased incidence of skin tags through an unknown mechanism.

Treatment

Removal, if desired or warranted, can be done by a dermatologist, a general practitioner, or a similarly trained professional who may use cauterization, cryosurgery, excision, laser, or surgical ligation to remove the acrochorda. Varied home remedies are unsupported by medical evidence.

References

(congenital )

References

(2010). "Genital Atlas". [[Lippincott Williams & Wilkins]].
"Cutaneous skin tag". Medline Plus.
(2008). "Human papillomavirus and skin tags: Is there any association?". Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology.
(May 2012). "An association of human papillomaviruses low risk and high risk subtypes with skin tag". Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences.
Schwartz, Robert A.. "Acrochordon". Medscape Reference.
"Acrochordons - Symptoms & Treatment". Womens-Health-Beauty.com.
(31 July 2023). "StatPearls". StatPearls Publishing.
(June 1989). "Skin tags are not a risk factor for colorectal polyps". Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.
(1 December 2008). "Acrochordon (Skin Tag, Fibroepithelial Polyp)". TheDoctorsDoctor.com.
(1 January 2010). "Associação entre acrocórdons e resistência à insulina". Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia.
(23 March 2020). "Skin tag removal: Optional but effective". [[Harvard Medical School]].

Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

benign-neoplasms dermal-and-subcutaneous-growths

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