Seborrheic Keratosis
January 2014
in “
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
”
TLDR Seborrheic keratosis is a common, harmless skin growth that can look like cancer, so it may need a biopsy.
Seborrheic keratoses were common, benign, pigmented epidermal tumors that typically developed after age 50 and were found on areas such as the trunk, neck, face, and arms. They were characterized by their "stuck on" appearance and varied in histological types, including acanthotic, hyperkeratotic, clonal, reticulated, irritated, and pigmented forms. Although benign, they could mimic malignant tumors, necessitating biopsy for accurate diagnosis. The sudden appearance of multiple lesions, known as the sign of Leser–Trélat, could indicate an underlying malignancy, warranting careful patient follow-up. Treatment was often sought for aesthetic reasons or due to pruritus.