Benign Skin Lesions: The Everyday Spots We See During Skin Cancer Checks
When it comes to your skin, not every spot or lump is cause for alarm. Benign skin lesions are non-cancerous growths that we often pick up during routine skin cancer checks. They’re usually harmless, but it’s still important to keep an eye on them. If you notice changes such as bleeding, growth, lumpiness, pain, itching or a shift in colour or pigmentation, that’s the time to see your doctor for a closer look.
Below, I’ve broken down some of the most common benign skin lesions, how they present, and why they appear.
Seborrheic Keratoses: The “Warty” Spots of Ageing
Seborrheic keratoses, often shortened to “Seb Ks” or sometimes called “senile warts,” are incredibly common. They usually start to appear in your 30s or 40s and by the time you’re over 60, there’s about a 90% chance you’ll have at least one.
They look like raised, scaly patches with a waxy or warty texture and come in a range of colours: skin-toned, yellow, grey, light or dark brown, even black, or sometimes a mix. The giveaway is their “stuck-on” appearance, almost like someone’s pressed a blob onto the skin.
While they’re harmless, they can sometimes be mistaken for more serious spots. If you’re ever unsure, book in for a skin check so a doctor can put your mind at ease.
Angiomas: Bright Red Spots with a Genetic Link
Angiomas are another type of benign skin lesion that many of us will notice as we age. They appear as small, flat or raised red to purple spots, commonly on the chest or arms. Cherry angiomas are the most well-known type, and they often run in families.
They’re completely harmless, though they can bleed if knocked or irritated. If you find you’re suddenly getting more of them or they change in appearance, it’s worth having them checked during your next skin cancer check to make sure nothing else is going on.
Benign Naevi: The Familiar Moles
Most of us are very familiar with moles, or benign naevi. These usually appear during adolescence or early adulthood, often triggered by sun exposure. By the time you’re an adult, it’s normal to have anywhere between 20 and 50 moles on your body.
For the most part, they’re benign and rarely progress to melanoma. That said, melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, so it’s vital to keep track of your moles and monitor for changes in size, shape or colour. Regular self-checks, alongside professional skin cancer checks, are your best defence in catching anything suspicious early.
Lentigo: Sun-Induced “Liver Spots”
Lentigines, often called “liver spots,” are flat, pigmented patches that show up on areas with lots of sun exposure – think hands, face, shoulders and lower legs. They’re caused by UV radiation and are more common with age.
They often have a slightly dry feel, with a “moth-eaten” outline, and range from yellow to light or dark brown. Over time, some can even evolve into seborrheic keratoses. While they’re not harmful, their presence is a reminder of the impact of sun on our skin. Sunscreen, hats and protective clothing go a long way in slowing down their appearance.
Staying Proactive About Your Skin Health
The good news is that seborrheic keratoses, angiomas, benign naevi and lentigines are generally harmless. But the golden rule is this: if you notice changes, don’t ignore them. Regular skin self-checks and professional skin cancer checks give you peace of mind and help pick up any issues early.
Protecting your skin and staying proactive means you’ll not only keep it healthy but also catch any potential concerns long before they become serious. If something doesn’t look or feel right, book in with your doctor. Your skin really is worth looking after.
Written by Dr Emily Alfonsi
MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG
Medical Director, Shade Skin
Dr Emily is a skin cancer doctor with advanced training in diagnosis and treatment. She has personally detected and treated hundreds of skin cancers and is passionate about early intervention and patient education.
