Could My Skin Tag Be Skin Cancer? A Dermatologist Explains
Could my skin tag be skin cancer? It’s a completely valid question with a simple yet nuanced answer!
First, let’s start with the basics…
What Is a Skin Tag?
Skin tags, also known in the medical field by their scientific name ‘acrochordons,’ are small, soft growths that typically appear in areas where the skin folds—like the neck, underarms, groin, or eyelids. They’re usually the same color as your skin or slightly darker, and they tend to be:
- Soft and fleshy
- Painless
- Non-cancerous (benign)
Skin tags are incredibly common — millions of people have them — and they become more frequent with age, weight gain, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions like insulin resistance.
Can a Skin Tag Turn Into Skin Cancer?
The short answer is no —skin tags themselves do not turn into skin cancer.
They are benign growths and don’t carry a known risk of becoming cancerous. However, not every bump that looks like a skin tag is a skin tag. This is where things get important.
What If It's Not a Skin Tag?
Sometimes, what looks like a harmless skin tag could be something else entirely, including:
- Seborrheic keratosis (a benign growth that can look warty or scaly)
- Moles or dermatofibromas
- Skin cancer, such as:
o Basal cell carcinoma
o Squamous cell carcinoma
o Very rarely, melanoma
Though rare, certain types of skin cancer can mimic the appearance of a skin tag, especially if it’s growing, changing color, bleeding, or looks irregular.
When to See a Dermatologist
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Here are some signs that a skin-tag-like bump should be checked:
- Bleeding or crusting
- Rapid growth
- Changes in color, shape, or texture
- Pain or irritation that doesn’t improve
- Appears suddenly in an area where you’ve never had tags before
If you have any doubts, a dermatologist can examine the spot and, if needed, perform a simple biopsy to confirm what it is. Most of the time, it really is just a skin tag—but getting peace of mind is worth it!
The Bottom Line
Skin tags themselves are not cancerous, and they don’t turn into skin cancer. But if something looks or feels off, don’t hesitate to get it evaluated. You know your skin better than anyone, and noticing a change is the first step in taking care of it.
If you're ever unsure, schedule a visit with your dermatologist—we’re here to help you protect your skin and your peace of mind.
Dr. David Fieleke is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. He is the founding physician of Cornerstone Dermatology & Surgery Group in Lee’s Summit. To schedule an appointment with any of our dermatology providers, call 816-287-1528.