Acanthomas are abnormal skin growths that are usually benign but can become malignant. They can be removed in a simple outpatient procedure, but may recur. Clear cell acanthomas are a classic example and can be painful or irritating. Biopsy can determine if the growth is benign or malignant. Removal may be advised for cosmetic or comfort reasons. Malignancies require more aggressive treatment.
An acanthoma is a neoplasm, an abnormal growth, that arises in skin cells. Acanthomas are relatively rare and usually benign and are evaluated by a dermatologist when identified to confirm the diagnosis and gather growth information. If the growths become bothersome, they can be removed in a simple outpatient procedure, although they tend to recur after removal. As with all malignancies, there is a risk that an acanthoma may become malignant and growth should be carefully evaluated and observed.
A classic example of an acanthoma is a clear cell acanthoma, a type of growth most commonly found on the legs. A lump of discolored tissue will form and may crust over or ooze clear fluid. If the scab is removed, the growth tends to bleed slightly before clotting. The lump is soft and fleshy in texture and can be painful or irritating if it becomes particularly large or if it gets caught on clothing, shoes, and other accessories.
These growths are more classically benign. They will remain relatively small and will not spread to other regions of the body from the site where they arise. A simple biopsy can be used to examine some acanthoma cells to see if it is benign or malignant and to gather information about its origins. If the growth is benign, a wait-and-see approach may be advised, leaving the growth in situ. If the patient doesn’t want the growth to stay in place, a dermatologist may use a mild local anesthetic to numb the site before removing the growth.
Such growths can be a cosmetic nuisance if they are on a visible area of the body. Some patients also experience irritation from the placement when the growths rub against clothing. The site of the tumor may develop pain, and the growth may also leave ooze on clothing, creating a mess. In these situations, removal may make the patient more comfortable.
If the growth becomes malignant, treatments may include removal and drugs to kill stray cancer cells, along with radiology to damage rogue cells. With malignancies it is important to determine the stage and see how far the malignancy has spread, as this information can be important in developing an effective and appropriate treatment plan. Patients should remember that tumors are named for their origins, not their location; a neoplasm made up of skin cells will always be an acanthoma, no matter where it ends up.
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