Skin growths and linked skin tags can be alarming. Usually, when you come across one, the first thought that comes to mind is cancer, which can be a possibility but does not necessarily mean the same.
In general, skin tags are very common. Almost 50–60% of adults are likely to develop at least one skin tag in their lifetime, according to StatPearls Publishing. This is why it is also important to understand whether these skin tags pose any serious health risks. The most common questions asked by many people include whether or not skin tags can be cancerous. We asked an expert to shed light on the same.
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What Are Skin Tags?
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr RK Chaudhary, Director and Head Medical Oncology, Metro Hospital, Noida, says, "The meaning of skin tags is when extra skin grows out very finely on top of our skin, appearing in small bulging pieces, causing neither pain nor harm."
He adds that these can sometimes cause irritation, especially after wearing clothes.
While the exact cause of skin tags is unknown, they are thought to be caused by friction between skin surfaces. Therefore, in most cases, skin tags are most common on the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids, areas with skin folds.
Other risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes, or insulin resistance
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infections
- Genetics
- High levels of tissue and epidermal growth factors, especially during pregnancy or gigantism
- Metabolic syndrome
- Cardiovascular disease
- Ageing and the gradual loss of skin elasticity
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Skin Tags Are Not Cancerous
According to Dr Chaudhary, several studies and observations have shown that neither it is a precancerous condition nor do people with skin tags have a higher risk of cancer.
They are essentially tiny pockets of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels trapped within normal skin.
Generally, collagen is a protein that helps give our skin structure and forms the bulk of the middle layer of skin, the dermis.
In skin tags, these collagen fibres are more loosely arranged than usual.
The outer layer of skin, the epidermis, then simply folds over this little bundle, creating the small, fleshy bump we see on the surface.
However, it is important to note that while skin tags cannot be cancerous, they can be confused with cancerous lesions and, therefore, should be examined by a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
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When Should You Be Concerned?
Dr Chaudhary says that skin tags are usually benign and can be left alone, especially if they are not causing any problems. However, one should consult a doctor if:
- Your skin tags are growing rapidly or changing suddenly.
- There is any other medical issue associated with the tags, such as them being sensitive or painful.
- There are inflammatory cells around the tags.
- There is a condition of bleeding or discharge.
Conclusion
Skin tags may seem concerning, but they are not. They are benign, meaning non-cancerous, and usually require no treatment. In certain cases, it may cause irritation and a lot of itching, which may demand a doctor’s attention. It is important to ensure that you do not confuse cancerous skin lesions with skin tags. Such misdiagnosis may lead to delayed treatment and impact patient outcomes.