Chapter: Medicine and surgery: Dermatology and soft tissues

Seborrhoeic keratoses - Skin and soft tissue lumps

Seborrhoeic keratoses are a benign localised proliferation of the basal layer of the epidermis. - Definition, Incidence, Aetiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical features, Complications, Investigations, Management, Prognosis.

Skin and soft tissue lumps

Seborrhoeic keratoses

Definition

Seborrhoeic keratoses are a benign localised proliferation of the basal layer of the epidermis. They are sometimes termed basal cell papillomas; however, they are not neoplastic and are not premalignant.

Incidence

Common; by age 40 approximately 10% of individuals have one seborrhoeic keratosis.

Age

Increase in incidence with increasing age.

Sex

M = F

Aetiology/pathophysiology

The cause of seborrhoeic keratoses is unclear, although they occur more commonly on sunexposed skin.

Clinical features

Lesions occur most commonly on the trunk. They are flat, raised or pedunculated with a yellow brown appearance of the overlying skin. With time the surface becomes irregular and wart-like. Lesions may cause concern due to bleeding, itching or surrounding inflammation.

Management

If treatment is required, cryotherapy or currettage are usually effective.

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Medicine and surgery: Dermatology and soft tissues : Seborrhoeic keratoses - Skin and soft tissue lumps |