What is the term for a benign outgrowth or extension on the skin?

The term for a benign outgrowth or extension on the skin is indeed a skin tag. Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, soft pieces of skin that protrude from the surrounding skin. They are typically flesh-colored or slightly darker and often develop in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, or groin.

Skin tags are non-cancerous and generally pose no harm, making them a common concern in dermatology. They can vary in size and may appear as single or multiple growths. Their benign nature distinguishes them from other skin lesions that can be caused by viruses, blockages, or other health conditions.

In contrast, warts are growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can vary in appearance from skin tags. Mucoceles are fluid-filled cysts that occur in the mouth, particularly on the inner surface of the lips, and do not relate to skin growths. Cysts, generally speaking, are closed pockets of tissue that can contain fluid, air, or other substances and can occur internally or in the skin but are not typically extensions of the skin like skin tags. Understanding these differences clarifies why