Acrochordons - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Definition

An acrochordon is a small benign tumor that form primarily in areas where the skin forms creases, such as necks, armpits and groin etc. it is found in persons who are obese. It is usually skin colored. it may also appear as surface nodules or papillomas on healthy skin. these are usually of size 2-5 mm in diameter. they may exceed 5 mm in diameter sometime. it is also known as aka skin tags, pedunculated papillomas, fibroepithelial polyps etc.

The surface of acrochordons may be smooth or irregular in appearance. Often, they are raised from the surface of the skin on a fleshy stalk called a "peduncle." Microscopically, an acrochordon consists of a fibrovascular core, sometimes also with fat cells, covered by an unremarkable epidermis.

Acrochordons Causes

1. It is believed that epidermal growth factor (EGF) and alpha tissue growth factor (TGF) have also been implicated in the development of tumors such as these.
2. It is also thought that pendulous variations may be caused by losses of large confluent areas of elastin; however, a recent study of elastic tissue in fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) showed no significant abnormalities.
3. It is also thought that it may be caused by hormone imbalances. e.g., high levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, high levels of growth hormone in acromegaly.
4. Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6/11 DNA were found in a high percentage of skin tag biopsy samples obtained from 49 white patients (see Human Papillomavirus). According to the authors of the study, viral infection should be considered as a pathogenic cofactor.

Acrochordons Symptoms

1. Acrochordons are flesh colored pedunculated lesions which occurs in areas of skin folds. They are tiny skin protrusions, and may have a small narrow stalk connecting the skin bump to the surface of the skin. They are usually painless and do not grow or change. They do not need treatment.
2. Acrochordons are the result of skin growth. so, its a good symptoms of this cause.
3. They are tiny skin protrusions, and may have a small narrow stalk connecting the skin bump to the surface of the skin.
4. Acrochordons are usually Located on the neck, armpits, trunk, body folds, or other areas of body of patient.
5. Acrochordons are usually skin-colored and can be dark occasionally.

Acrochordons Treatment

1. Treatment is usually not necessary unless the cutaneous tags are irritating or are cosmetically displeasing.
2. Cryotherapy: It involves freezing the acrochordon to make it fall off. however, freezing of the surrounding skin during liquid nitrogen cryotherapy may result in dyschromic lesions.
3. Electrosurgery: This is the process in which the acrochordon is cut off by using an electric current.
4. Healing: In healing the skin tags are removed surgically. it is applied if tags become sore from rubbing clothing or jewelry or if they are unsightly. it can be completed in a week or two.
5. The treatment is repeated in some cases, once thawing has completed. This is known as a ‘double freeze-thaw' and is usually reserved for skin cancers or resistant viral warts.