Seborrheic Keratosis
Description of the Disease
Seborrheic keratosis is a common benign skin tumor that develops from the outer layer of the skin. Its prevalence increases with age, and it is slightly more common in men than in women.
Cause of the Disease
The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis is unknown. A genetic predisposition is thought to play a role, and the condition is often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. However, inheritance does not guarantee that all children of an affected parent will develop the condition, although the risk is increased.
Symptoms
Seborrheic keratosis usually begins as a small papule measuring 1–3 mm in diameter on otherwise normal skin. The lesion gradually enlarges and may exceed 2.5 cm in diameter. Its color ranges from light yellow-brown to dark brown or black.
Lesions may be round, oval, or irregular in shape, with well-defined borders. Their surface is rough, waxy, or wart-like and often appears as though the lesion is “stuck on” the skin. Seborrheic keratoses are usually painless but may occasionally become itchy or irritated. They may occur as a single lesion or as multiple lesions scattered across different areas of the body.
Types
The main clinical types of seborrheic keratosis include:
- Common seborrheic keratosis.
- Stucco keratosis.
- Irritated seborrheic keratosis.
- Seborrheic keratosis with squamous atypia.
- Other less common variants.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually based on the characteristic clinical appearance of the lesion. If the diagnosis is uncertain or there is concern about skin cancer, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment is not necessary unless the lesion causes symptoms, recurrent irritation, or cosmetic concerns.
When removal is desired, treatment options include:
- Laser removal.
- Electrocautery (electrocoagulation).
- Surgical excision.
- Cryotherapy (freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen).
Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology