Skin tag or cancer? How to spot the difference

Skin tags are common and usually harmless. More often than not, they match your skin colour or could be a bit darker. They are seen in areas where the skin rubs together or where there are folds in the skin. You may see them on the neck, under your arms, on eyelids, under your breasts or around your bottom.
Skin tags are found in a large number of people and they do not indicate any harmful condition including cancer. However, certain cancerous growths may look like skin tags and it’s important to monitor changes in your skin. You should go see a doctor if a skin tag is painful, changes in colour, size, or shape, or starts itching or bleeding.
“Any new growth on the skin can be dangerous or cancerous. If you find a new skin growth or change in size, shape, and colour of any pre-existing skin lesion, it can be a red flag sign for cancer.
If that skin growth or lesion has become very itchy and it has started bleeding, it can be cancerous,” says Dr Jyoti Anand, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Noida.

“While skin tags themselves are not cancerous, it’s crucial to understand that some skin cancers can mimic the appearance of skin tags. This is particularly true for basal cell carcinoma and melanoma,” says Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant-Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
However, if your skin tag remains the same for years and do not grow, there is nothing to worry about as they are not cancerous. But, Dr Anand warns they may indicate issues with your hormones like insulin.

How to differentiate between a normal skin tag or a cancer skin growth that appears like a skin tag
Dr Passi explains:

Appearance

Skin tags: Typically small, flesh-colored, and often have a small stalk. They usually remain stable in size and shape.
Cancerous growths: May have irregular borders, varying colors (brown, black, red, white, or blue), and can grow quickly or change in appearance.
Symptoms
Skin tags: Usually painless and cause no discomfort.
Cancerous growths: May itch, bleed, or become painful

What if there are several skin tags? Is it a red flag for cancer?

Experts say multiple skin tags may appear due to genetics, age or friction.
“Having a lot of skin tags may not indicate cancer. Some people are more susceptible to having skin tags due to various factors like genetics, age, or friction,” says Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics.

Dr Passi explains how to spot the difference between a skin tag and a cancer growth

Asymmetry: One half of a mole does not match the other half.
Border irregularity: The edges of a mole are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Colour variation: The mole has varying colors of brown, tan, black, or sometimes patches of red, white, or blue.
Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour.

Other signs of cancer on skin

There are other

symptoms of skin cancer

to look out for such as open sores that do not heal, sunspots that are flat and scaly often seen on sun-exposed areas, and dark streaks in nails.
“Watch out for scaly or wart-like patches which may appear shiny, bumps that are scar-like and white, yellow, or waxy in appearance. In addition, painful, itchy, or burning lesions can be a cause for concern. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist for a proper evaluation,” says Dr Indu Bansal Aggarwal, Group Director and HOD of Radiation Oncology at Paras Health in Gurugram.

Screening

While no self-assessment can confirm if a growth is cancerous, it’s important to do a self-skin examination to see any change in the wart or mole, any bleeding or itchiness or rapid growth of any wart or mole.
“A healthcare provider can evaluate and diagnose a skin tag through a brief examination. If needed, they may perform a biopsy to rule out other conditions. Blood tests may be recommended to detect underlying issues after consulting a doctor. In addition, if there is any family history of skin cancer or a lot of skin exposure, it’s preferable to consult a cancer specialist to understand more about skin cancers,” says Dr Aggarwal.