According to the authors of the study, viral infection should be considered as a pathogenic cofactor. They have been reported to accompany other neoplasms, especially tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. It has been suggested that neoplasms produce and release into the circulation growth factors causing acrochordon growth. The results of a recent study refute the theory that an association of acrochordons and colonic polyps actually exists. An association with noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus also has been observed.
Reports exist suggesting that the mechanism is through the effect of insulin and glucose starvation.
The previous study showed no correlation between the location, size, color, or number of acrochordons with impairment of glucose tolerance. Appendages generally are absent. It was thought that acrochordons are marked by decreased numbers of elastic fibers, though one study of elastic tissue in fibroepithelial polyps showed no deficiency of this tissue. Fibroepithelial polyps of the oral mucosa often have slightly flattened epithelium and a tightly packed collagen stroma, which lacks an abundance of fibroblasts. Small pedunculated acrochordons may be removed with curved or serrated blade scissors, while larger skin tags may simply require excision.