Many patients do not arrive knowing whether a growth is a cyst, lipoma, mole, skin tag or something else.

They simply know that there is a lump, bump or skin growth that was not there before, has become bothersome, has changed, or that they would like assessed or removed.

You do not need to diagnose it yourself before requesting a consultation.

At our Newmarket clinic, Dr. Victoria Hayward, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Southlake Regional Health Centre and a board-certified plastic surgeon, can assess many types of skin and soft-tissue growths, explain what the area may represent, and discuss whether removal or further investigation is appropriate. This is one of several minor procedures offered at our clinic. PSSC also sees patients from surrounding communities and the broader region.

The first step is figuring out what the growth is

Different types of growths can look or feel surprisingly similar.

A lump beneath the skin may be consistent with a cyst or lipoma. A surface growth may resemble a mole, skin tag or another type of lesion.

That distinction matters because treatment depends on what the growth appears to be, how deep it is, where it is located, whether it is changing and whether there are any features that warrant further investigation.

Dr. Hayward will examine the area and consider its size, depth, location, appearance, symptoms and history before recommending what should happen next.

When should a lump, bump or growth be assessed promptly?

Some growths have been unchanged for years. Others behave differently.

A lump, bump or skin growth should be medically assessed as soon as possible if it is:

A new unexplained growth or one that has returned after previous treatment also deserves assessment.

These features do not necessarily mean that a growth is serious. They are reasons not to assume that it is harmless without having it examined.

What happens during the assessment?

Dr. Hayward will examine the area and take into account any relevant history.

If the growth has already been investigated elsewhere, that information can be useful.

After requesting a consultation, patients can upload photographs, ultrasound reports, CT reports, previous pathology reports or other relevant medical information through our secure patient portal.

Prior imaging does not replace Dr. Hayward's own assessment, but it may provide useful information — particularly when a lump is larger, deeper or has already been investigated.

Can an unknown growth still be removed?

Often, yes.

Many lumps, bumps and skin lesions can be assessed and, when medically appropriate, removed during the same appointment.

How removal is performed depends on what the growth appears to be.

Many lesions can be removed with a minor surgical procedure under local anesthetic. Some require surgical excision and closure with sutures.

Dr. Hayward has extensive training and experience performing minor procedures and has performed thousands of them over the course of her practice.

The important point is that treatment is based on the individual growth rather than deciding on a removal method before it has been examined.

When pathology testing is useful

Sometimes the most appropriate way to determine exactly what a growth is involves examining the removed tissue.

Pathology testing means that tissue removed during the procedure is sent to a laboratory and examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

It may be recommended when the growth has unusual or changing features or when confirming exactly what the tissue represents would be medically helpful.

Not every mole, cyst, lipoma, skin tag or lesion needs pathology testing.

Dr. Hayward will determine whether pathology is appropriate and discuss it as part of the treatment plan.

Multiple lumps, bumps or lesions

Patients often have more than one concern.

Several areas — even when they appear to represent different types of growths — can often be assessed during the same appointment.

Dr. Hayward will examine each one individually.

When medically appropriate, multiple areas may also be treated during the same visit.

This can include combinations of different concerns rather than requiring a separate consultation for every mole, cyst, skin tag or other lesion.

Scarring and healing

Any procedure that removes a growth from the skin can leave some degree of scarring.

The eventual appearance of the scar depends on factors such as what is being removed, its size and depth, where it is located, the technique required and the way the patient's skin heals.

Dr. Hayward has years of extensive training and experience in scar management and uses precise plastic-surgery techniques designed to minimize scarring where possible.

It is normal for a new scar to look more noticeable at first. Scars often appear pink, red, raised or firm during the early healing period and gradually soften, flatten and fade over the following weeks and months.

Our Advanced Medical Aesthetician is available before and after treatment to discuss scar-management strategies, including topical products that may support healing and help improve the appearance of the scar over time.

What does removal cost?

Removal of a skin lesion or growth at our clinic starts at $450.

The final cost depends on what the growth is, its size, depth and location, the procedure required and whether multiple areas are being treated.

Multiple lesions are priced together rather than simply charging the full individual rate for each growth.

The treatment plan and pricing are reviewed before any procedure is performed.

Assessment and removal during the same visit

Where medically appropriate, Dr. Hayward can often assess a lump, bump or skin lesion and remove it during the same appointment.

We appreciate that patients generally prefer to avoid an unnecessary second visit and aim to accommodate that whenever possible.

There are circumstances where further testing, treatment of an active infection or inflammation, or another step may be appropriate before removal.

What happens afterward?

Patients receive wound-care instructions before leaving the clinic and written aftercare instructions by email.

If sutures are used, Dr. Hayward will explain whether they will dissolve or need to be removed.

Patients are also advised about showering, activity, dressings, signs of infection or delayed healing and when follow-up is appropriate.

Scar-management options can be discussed before and after treatment with our Advanced Medical Aesthetician.