Skin tags (acrochordons, soft fibromas) are common soft, small, flesh-colored or hyperpigmented, pedunculated lesions; there are usually multiple lesions, typically on the neck, axilla, and groin.

Skin tags are usually asymptomatic but may be irritating. Irritating or unsightly skin tags can be removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen, light electrodesiccation, or excision with a scalpel or scissors. The standard of care is to submit all skin tags individually for histologic examination, especially if there is any question of the diagnosis. However, for a patient with dozens of identical lesions, an individual lesion is unlikely to be anything other than a skin tag.

Last full review/revision September 2008 by Daniel W. Collison, MD

Content last modified June 2010