Growth Evaluation

Growth Evaluation in Washington, DC

Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience

Skin growths are common and can develop on almost any part of the body. Some growths are harmless, while others may need evaluation because they are new, changing, painful, bleeding, or otherwise concerning.

At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and treatment of skin growths in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience, Dr. Holmes evaluates the appearance, location, characteristics, and changes over time to determine whether a growth should be monitored, removed, or evaluated further.

Or call us: 202-737-6800

What Is a Skin Growth?

A skin growth is an area of skin that has developed a noticeable change in size, shape, texture, or appearance. Skin growths can be flat, raised, smooth, rough, soft, firm, or attached to the skin by a narrow base.

Many skin growths are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, some growths can resemble one another, and a new or changing growth may require evaluation by a dermatologist.

Common Types of Skin Growths

Skin growths can have many different causes. Common examples include:

Moles (nevi): Common pigmented growths that may be flat or raised.
Skin tags: Soft, flesh-colored growths that often develop in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing.
Seborrheic keratoses: Benign growths that may appear waxy, rough, or stuck onto the surface of the skin.
Cysts: Encapsulated growths beneath the skin that may feel like a lump or bump.
Warts: Growths caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Other benign or concerning growths: Some lesions may require additional evaluation to determine their nature.

Because different growths can look similar, a dermatologic examination can help determine what type of growth you may have.

When Should a Skin Growth Be Evaluated?

Consider scheduling a dermatology evaluation if a growth:

Is new or appeared unexpectedly
Changes in size, shape, or color
Begins bleeding or crusting
Becomes painful or persistently itchy
Develops an unusual or irregular appearance
Grows rapidly
Does not heal
Looks noticeably different from other growths on your skin

You do not need to determine whether a growth is harmless or concerning on your own. A dermatologist can evaluate the area and determine whether additional assessment is appropriate.

Skin Growths and Skin Cancer

Most skin growths are benign, but some skin cancers can appear as new or changing growths.

Changes such as growth, bleeding, crusting, changes in color, or a lesion that does not heal may warrant evaluation.

If Dr. Holmes has concerns about a growth, she may recommend additional evaluation, including a biopsy when appropriate.

Learn more about Skin Cancer Screening & Diagnosis →

Skin Growths and Skin of Color

Skin growths can occur in people of all skin tones. Some lesions may appear differently depending on the patient's skin pigmentation, and changes in color may be more subtle in some patients.

Dr. Holmes considers each patient's skin tone and individual skin characteristics when evaluating growths and other skin lesions.

Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →

How Are Skin Growths Evaluated?

A skin growth evaluation begins with a dermatologic examination.

Dr. Holmes may consider:

The size and shape of the growth
Its color and surface characteristics
Where it is located
How long it has been present
Whether it has changed over time
Any symptoms such as itching, pain, bleeding, or crusting
Your personal and skin history

Depending on the appearance and characteristics of the growth, Dr. Holmes may recommend monitoring, removal, or additional evaluation.

Skin Growth Removal

Some benign growths may be removed if they are bothersome, repeatedly irritated, or a cosmetic concern.

If a growth requires medical evaluation or removal, Dr. Holmes will discuss the appropriate approach based on the type, location, and characteristics of the lesion.

Not every growth needs to be removed. The appropriate treatment depends on the individual lesion and the reason for removal.

Learn more about Mole Removal & Evaluation →

When to See a Dermatologist About a Growth

You should consider seeing a dermatologist if you have a growth that is:

New
Changing
Growing quickly
Bleeding or crusting
Painful or persistently itchy
Not healing
Visually different from other growths
Causing concern or uncertainty

A professional evaluation can help determine whether the growth is benign or whether further assessment is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Growths

Click on a question to reveal the answer:

Q: Are all skin growths harmless? ▼

A: No. While many skin growths are harmless, some may be concerning or require evaluation. A dermatologist can examine a growth and determine whether further assessment is needed.

Q: What types of skin growths can develop on the skin? ▼

A: Common skin growths include moles, skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, cysts, warts, and other benign or concerning lesions. A dermatologist can help determine the type of growth you may have.

Q: When should a skin growth be checked by a dermatologist? ▼

A: A skin growth should be checked if it is new, changing in size or color, bleeding, crusting, painful, itchy, growing rapidly, or not healing.

Q: Can a dermatologist remove a skin growth? ▼

A: Yes. A dermatologist can remove certain skin growths for medical or cosmetic reasons. Dr. Holmes can discuss whether removal is appropriate and what to expect.

Q: Can skin growths be cancerous? ▼

A: Some skin cancers can appear as new or changing growths. While most skin growths are benign, any new or changing growth should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Q: Does every skin growth need to be removed? ▼

A: No. Many benign skin growths do not require removal. Removal may be considered if a growth is bothersome, repeatedly irritated, or cosmetically concerning.

Q: Can skin growths occur on darker skin? ▼

A: Yes. Skin growths can occur in people of all skin tones. Some lesions may appear differently depending on skin pigmentation, which is why a dermatologic evaluation can be helpful.

Q: How much does skin growth removal cost in Washington, DC? ▼

A: Costs vary depending on the type, size, and location of the growth and the reason for removal. During your consultation, the practice can discuss your treatment options and associated costs.

Why Choose Dr. Holmes for Skin Growth Evaluation

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Board-Certified Dermatologist

with 34+ years of experience

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Comprehensive Evaluation

of moles, growths, and other skin lesions

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Individualized Recommendations

based on the appearance and characteristics of each growth

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Medical & Cosmetic Concerns

evaluation and treatment based on your individual needs

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Experience with All Skin Types

including patients with skin of color

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Recognized

2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle

Meet Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes

Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.

She provides individualized evaluation of skin growths, moles, and other skin concerns and helps patients determine when monitoring, removal, or additional evaluation may be appropriate.

With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's individual skin characteristics when evaluating skin lesions.

Learn more about Dr. Holmes →

Concerned About a Skin Growth?

If you have a new, changing, bleeding, painful, or otherwise concerning skin growth, a dermatology evaluation can help determine what it may be and whether further assessment or treatment is appropriate.

Call: 202-737-6800

Schedule a Skin Growth Evaluation in Washington, DC