A seborrheic keratosis

However, people often elect to have them removed for reason of comfort or cosmetic appearance.

The term lesion refers simply to a growth or blemish on the skin.

While it is used frequently to refer to a cancerous growth, in the Queen's case, this has been described as "benign", ruling out conditions such as melanoma, rodent ulcer and squamous cell cancer.

Many older people have growths on their skin, and most will never trouble doctors with them.

This is a guide to a few common varieties:

Moles (Nevi)

Most people have moles, varying in size from small dots to bigger than an inch.

The typical mole is simply an area of darker pigmented skin, perhaps with a raised surface, although many do not have this.

Some moles are "atypical", with irregular shapes and borders.

Doctors are mainly interested in moles when they are unusual in shape - or if they change. This could indicate the development of melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer.

A mole can usually be easily removed by a surgeon if needed.

Skin tags

These are soft, small, flesh-coloured skin growths that, on the upper body, are mostly found on the neck or armpits.

They are simply removed using a scalpel or burned off with an electric needle.

Seborrheic Keratoses

These growths are harmless - and very common in older people, most often appearing on the forehead or torso.

They appear to be stuck to the skin and have a waxy or scaly surface.

If the keratoses becomes itchy or a cosmetic problem, it can be removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen, or cut off with scissors or scalpel.

Epidermal cysts

Epidermal cysts are flesh-coloured and can be up to two inches across, and can appear on the face, back or scalp.