(Benign Skin Tumors)
Definition
Definition
Seborrheic keratosis is a type of non-cancerous growth on the top layer of skin. These growths may look like warts.
Seborrheic keratoses are not contagious, do not spread, or do not turn into cancerous tumors. In most cases, treatment is not required.
Causes
Causes
The direct cause of seborrheic keratosis is unknown, but it may be linked to genetics.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Seborrheic keratosis is more common in people aged 40 years and older and in those with a family history.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Seborrheic keratosis are thick growths that may:
- Look yellow, tan, brown, white, or black
- Be waxy or look like warts
- Be round, flat, or oval in shape
- Be itchy when irritated by clothing or jewelry
- Appear anywhere on the skin
Some people have one lesion, but it is more common to have many.
It may be hard to detect the difference between seborrheic keratosis and melanoma, a potentially fatal skin cancer. It is important to see your doctor anytime new or changing skin lesions are noticed.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor can usually make a diagnosis upon examination of the skin growth. You may need further testing, such as a skin biopsy, to rule out other skin conditions.
Punch Biopsy of the SkinCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Seborrheic keratoses do not pose a threat to your health. The best course of action may be to leave them alone. If they itch or become irritated, or if you feel they affect your appearance, they can be removed.
Treatment options include:
Medications
If you have irritated seborrheic keratoses, your doctor may recommend topical corticosteroids.
Surgery
In some cases, you and your doctor may decide to remove the seborrheic keratoses. Surgical options include:
- Freezing the growth, which falls off a few days later
- Removal with a razor or scalpel
- Laser surgery to burn the growth off
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent seborrheic keratosis.
RESOURCES:
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated May 6, 2014. Accessed September 2, 2015.
Seborrheic keratosis. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at:
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q—t/seborrheic-keratoses
Accessed September 2, 2015.
Seborrheic keratosis. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website. Available at:
http://www.aocd.org/?page=SeborrheicKeratoses
Accessed September 2, 2015.
Last Updated: 9/2/2015