It is common to confuse seborrheic keratoses with warts and moles, but like the moles, they are harmless. These lesions rarely cause alarming symptoms, and they may not need any treatment unless you are not comfortable with them. The Chevy Chase Seborrheic Keratosis experts at the office of Ali Hendi, Md, have years of experience in removing seborrheic keratoses. If you are interested in eliminating your lesions, contact them for an appointment.
Are seborrheic keratosis cancerous tumors?
Seborrheic keratosis refers to a noncancerous skin growth that appears as a mole. As you get older, your risk of acquiring this skin growth increases. A seborrheic keratosis rarely causes any painful symptoms and cannot be transferred from one person to another. They do not necessarily require medical intervention, but if their appearance repulses you or they cause irritation and itching, you can consult your doctor about the available remedies. Seborrheic keratoses often occur as brown, light, or black lesions and often appear on the back, face, chest, stomach, scalp, or neck. But these lesions can occur anywhere on your body except your palms and the soles of your feet. These noncancerous tumors often have a grainy or bumpy surface that disintegrates easily. Others may also have a smooth, waxy texture, and they often appear like they are stuck on your skin—most people mistake seborrheic keratosis for skin cancer, warts, skin tags, and moles.
What factors trigger the development of seborrheic keratosis?
The exact underlying cause of these noncancerous tumors is unknown, but medical experts believe certain factors can trigger their development. Seborrheic keratosis is common among older adults, and as they continue aging, the lesions continue multiplying. Some doctors suggest that frequent and long periods of exposure to the sun may also increase your chances of getting them. Your familial genetics may also have a role in the occurrence. Seborrheic keratoses often develop gradually, and their texture may change over time.
If multiple lesions happen to erupt simultaneously, you may need medical assistance. Doctors believe that this unusual eruption may indicate that you have internal skin cancer. They have not proven this theory yet, but an internal cancer screening may be advisable. If you also notice multiple growths over a short period, you may need to schedule a medical exam with your doctor. If you also have growths that bleed easily and take longer to heal, you may need to consult a medical expert. Ali Hendi, MD’s skin cancer specialist, conducts a comprehensive physical exam to rule out skin cancer.
How can you get rid of seborrheic keratosis?
If you have any uncomfortable symptoms such as insistent itch or bleeding, your medical practitioner may check for any cancerous cells and remove them. The team may recommend shaving or freezing them to eliminate them. They may also need to study the cells they release under a microscope to remove all the cancerous cells from your body.
Seborrheic keratosis should not make you nervous because they are often harmless. But if you experience unusual symptoms, call the office of Ali Hendi, MD, or schedule your appointment online to begin treatment.
