What are skin lumps and bumps?

Skin lumps and bumps can be due to a variety of causes, including both benign and malignant lesions. Examples include;  warts, cysts, benign naevi (moles), melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

*Please note that we do not treat skin cancers or melanoma at our clinic.

How are they treated?

The first step is to establish a diagnosis. This can be done in many cases by simple examination, and in other cases, a biopsy, shaving or sample of the tissue in question is required for microscopic examination to determine the diagnosis.

Depending on the diagnosis, cosmetic appearance, and patient preference, the lesion may be removed by surgical excision or shaved down with radiowave (radiofrequency) surgery or laser. Surgical excision in itself can be a means of obtaining a definitive diagnosis of the pathology.

Surgical excision has been the traditional method of removing such lesions. The main advantage of this method is that it removes the lesion in its entirety, including any part of the lesion that lies below the skin surface. However, the main disadvantage of surgical excision is that it leaves a scar behind on the skin.

An alternative method of removing skin lumps and bumps is by radiowave surgery or by using the erbium or carbon dioxide lasers. These modalities involve shaving the lesion down to the level of the skin, but usually not beneath it. The advantage of this method is that there is no scarring left behind on the skin as no skin is excised. The disadvantage is that the colour of the lesion, should it differ from the colour of the normal skin, may still remain if the lesion extends below the skin surface. Although tissue shaved down with radiowave surgery can be sent off for histology (examination under a microscope to determine the type of tissue it is), radiowave surgery often generates artifacts within the tissue which make it more difficult to examine.

When using laser as the sole modality to remove skin lesions, no tissue can be sent for histology, as the laser completely ablates or vapourises the tissue. Therefore, we tend to reserve radiowave surgery/laser for lesions which on examination appear to be more benign.

Why choose Victorian Cosmetic Institute?

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we have a wide range of modalities available to remove your particular skin lesions. Our doctors will be able to advise you on the pros and cons of each treatment, and which one might be best suited to you.

The first step is simply contacting us for your initial laser skin rejuvenation consultation, where we will discuss with you what is a realistic and achievable outcome, and what to expect from your laser treatment.

Making that first phone call about any cosmetic procedure can be a confronting task – many of our patients have preferred filling out our online enquiry form. We can then contact you with an understanding of the results you are hopeful of achieving and ensure the treatment is appropriate.

It’s as easy as clicking either of the buttons below and completing the provided form. Otherwise, you can phone us directly on 1300 863 824.