SKINIPEDIA - Skin Photos Collection: Seborrheic Keratosis

Skin Photos on Skin Encyclopedia: Seborrhei Keratosis Pictures

Noncancerous growths that may develop with age, seborrheic keratoses can appear on the chest or back, alone, or in groups. They may be dark or multicolored, and usually have a grainy surface that easily crumbles, though they can be smooth and waxy. No treatment is necessary unless irritation develops or their appearance is a concern. Because seborrheic keratoses may be mistaken for moles or skin cancer, see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis.

Microscopically there is an expansile plate-like growth of the epidermis with expanded and anastomosing rete ridges (the downward projections of epidermis that interdigitate with the dermis). There may be cysts that contain keratin and the lesions can show increased melanin pigmentation of the lesional keratinocytes. The histologic appearance is non-invasive with benign appearing cytologic characteristics.

Seborrheic Keratosis - A superficial benign neoplasm of epidermal cells that presents as a papule or plaque with a characteristic “pasted-on” appearance. These lesions are usually acquired later in life (middle age and beyond) and tend to grow slowly. Seborrheic keratoses vary in size, degree of elevation, and color. Most commonly they come in a shade of brown and are round, greasy-appearing, well-circumscribed lesions. The surface of the lesion is often rough and can have keratin-filled pits known as pseudo-horn cysts. These lesions are usually found on the head, neck, trunk, and extremities, and are more common among the elderly. It is the most common epithelial tumor. Lesions can be hereditary.

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