Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum?
A dermatologist usually treats scalp or facial growths, while an OB/GYN may treat genital growths. A primary care doctor can arrange a biopsy and refer you to the right specialist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Syringocystadenoma papilliferum is a rare, noncancerous skin growth that does not spread like cancer. Doctors often call it SCAP. It usually forms on the scalp or face, develops from sweat glands, and is often present from birth.
Symptoms
The most common sign is a small, raised patch or bump that may look pink, red, or skin-colored. The surface can feel bumpy or warty, and it may ooze fluid, crust, or bleed easily.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not fully understand the cause, though many cases appear to be present from birth. The condition is rare, affects males and females equally, and often occurs alongside a nevus sebaceus, a waxy, yellowish scalp patch.
How doctors diagnose it
Diagnosis relies on a biopsy, meaning a piece of the growth is removed and examined under a microscope. This also rules out look-alike conditions and can reveal a second growth hiding in the same spot.
Treatment
The usual treatment is surgery to remove the growth completely, often done with numbing medicine. Removing the whole growth usually keeps it from coming back. Freezing or creams have been tried, but surgery is most reliable.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for any skin growth that is new, growing, oozing, bleeding, or changing. Most skin bumps are harmless, but only a doctor can tell the difference by examining the tissue.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine the spot and refer you to a dermatologist or an OB/GYN if needed.
Common questions
Is syringocystadenoma papilliferum cancer?
No, it is a benign growth, which means it is not cancer and does not spread through the body. In rare cases, other growths can appear within the same spot. That is one reason doctors recommend removal and examination of the tissue.
Does removal hurt?
The area is numbed with medicine before the procedure, so most people feel little or no pain during removal. Some soreness afterward is common, and it usually improves within a few days.
Can it come back after treatment?
It usually does not come back when the whole growth is removed. Results differ from person to person, so follow-up visits help confirm the skin has healed well.
Can babies be born with it?
Yes, many cases are present at birth or appear in early childhood. Some are not noticed until later because the growth changes slowly over time.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Syringocystadenoma papilliferum
- MedlinePlus - Skin Conditions
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
