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General Medicine

Keratosis, Seborrheic

Michael T. Partin, MD and Karl T. Clebak, MD, FAAFP Reviewed 06/2020
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Common benign tumor of the epidermis

  • Formed from proliferation of keratinocytes

  • Frequently appears in multiples on the head, neck, and trunk of older individuals but may occur on any h...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Generally asymptomatic, but trauma or irritation of the lesion may result in pruritus, erythema, bleeding, pain, and/or crusting. 

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • Typically begin as oval- or round-shaped...

TREATMENT

  • Treatment is not usually necessary due to the benign nature of the lesions.

  • Removal of seborrheic keratoses may be indicated if

    • Symptomatic (e.g., easily irritated, gets caught on clothing or ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

After initial diagnosis, follow-up is not usually required unless: 

  • Inflammation or irritation develops

  • There is a change in appearance

  • New seborrh...

REFERENCES

1
Hafner C, Vogt T. Seborrheic keratosis. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges.  2008;6(8):664–677.
2
Husain Z, Ho JK, Hantash BM. Sign and pseudo-sign of Leser-Trélat: case reports and a review of the l...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Culbertson GR. 532-nm diode laser treatment of seborrheic keratoses with color enhancement. Dermatol Surg.  2008;34(4):525–528.

  • Draelos ZD, Rizer RL, Trookman NS. A comparison o...

CODES

ICD10

  • L82.1 Other seborrheic keratosis

  • L82.0 Inflamed seborrheic keratosis

ICD9

  • 702.19 Other seborrheic keratosis

  • 702.11 Inflamed seborrheic keratosis

SNOMED

  • 398838000 senile hyperkeratosis (disorder)

  • 4...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Seborrheic keratoses are one of the most common benign tumors of the epidermis.

  • Prevalence increases with age.

  • Underlying internal malignancy should be considered if large numbers of seb...

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Related Images
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Figure 10.46. Seborrheic keratosis. Typical appearance of a flat, elevated plaque that appears \"stuck on.\" The lesion does not have deep extensions through the skin.
Figure 10.46. Seborrheic keratosis. Typical appearance of a flat, elevated plaque that appears \"stuck on.\" The lesion does not have deep ...
Figure 24-27 Seborrheic keratosis. A‚ This plaque is brown‚ dry‚ uniformly pigmented‚ sharply demarcated‚ and smoothly outlined. B‚ The microscopic study shows a superficial proliferation of basal cells with small cysts of keratin.
Figure 24-27 Seborrheic keratosis. A‚ This plaque is brown‚ dry‚ uniformly pigmented‚ sharply demarcated‚ and smoo...
FIGURE 24-75. Seborrheic keratosis. Broad anastomosing cords of mature stratified squamous epithelium are associated with small keratin cysts.
FIGURE 24-75. Seborrheic keratosis. Broad anastomosing cords of mature stratified squamous epithelium are associated with small keratin cys...
actinic keratosis: numerous keratoses over te scalp induced by chronic ultra-voilet exposure
actinic keratosis: numerous keratoses over te scalp induced by chronic ultra-voilet exposure
seborrheic keratosis
seborrheic keratosis
Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis
Actinic Keratosis Actinic keratoses are superficial, flattened papules covered by a dry scale. Often multiple, they may be round or irregular, and are pink, tan, or grayish. They appear on sun-exposed skin of older, fair-skinned persons. Though themselves benign, these lesions may give rise to squamous cell carcinoma (suggested by rapid growth, induration, redness at the base, and ulceration). Keratoses on face and hand, typical locations, are shown.
Actinic Keratosis Actinic keratoses are superficial, flattened papules covered by a dry scale. Often multiple, they may be round or irregul...
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