Overview
Keratoses or Seborrheic Keratoses, is a common skin growth. It may seem worrisome because it can look like a wart, pre-cancerous skin growths (actinic keratosis), or skin cancer. Despite their appearance, seborrheic keratoses are harmless. Seborrheic keratoses are usually painless and do not require any treatment.Signs and Symptoms
Brown, black or light tan growth on the face, chest, shoulders or back, Start as small, rough bumps, then slowly thicken and develop a warty surface, Have a waxy, stuck-on-the-skin look, Ranges in size from very small to more than 1 inch across, May itchCommon Causes
Usually unknown, May have role of geneticsRisk Factors
Age more than 50 years old, Positive family historyInvestigation Techniques
Physical examination, Skin tissue biopsyTreatment and Prevention
Normally treatment is unnecessary, unless it affects cosmetically, causes irritation or bleed when rubbed against the clothes, Cryosurgery: freezing with liquid nitrogen, Curettage, Electrocautery: burning with electric current, Laser ablation
