$Unique_ID{BRK03900} $Pretitle{} $Title{Keratosis, Seborrheic} $Subject{Keratosis, Seborrheic Keratosis Seborrheica Seborrheic Warts Senile Warts Verruca Acanthotic Nevus Malignant Melanoma Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma } $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1987, 1990 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 437: Keratosis, Seborrheic ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible the main title of the article (Seborrheic Keratosis) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYMS listing on the next page to find alternate names, disorder subdivisions, and related disorders covered by this article. Synonyms Keratosis Seborrheica Seborrheic Warts Senile Warts Verruca Acanthotic Nevus Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Malignant Melanoma Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources section of this report. Seborrheic Keratosis is a skin disorder usually characterized by discolored lesions that appear to be "stuck on" the skin surface. Warts may appear and skin is often oily or greasy. These skin lesions are sometimes mistaken for cancerous growths and tend to appear predominately during middle age. Itching, irritation, inflammations or unsightliness of lesions may require surgical removal of affected skin areas. Symptoms Symptoms of Seborrheic Keratosis are limited to discolored skin lesions that appear to be "stuck on" the skin surface. These patches can appear suddenly, vary in size, and they tend to grow slowly. They are round or oval-shaped, and are either tan, yellowish, brown or black. They can be widespread over the trunk, back, and/or shoulders. Some cases may be limited to a small area such as the temples or the cheeks. The skin lesions may also be waxy, scaling or crusted. They tend to become darker and larger with age. Causes The exact cause of Seborrheic Keratosis is not known although researchers believe some forms may be inherited as a dominant trait. (Human traits including the classic genetic diseases, are the product of the interaction of two genes for that condition, one received from the father and one from the mother. In dominant disorders, a single copy of the disease gene (received from either the mother or father) will be expressed "dominating" the normal gene and resulting in appearance of the disease. The risk of transmitting the disorder from affected parent to offspring is 50% for each pregnancy regardless of the sex of the resulting child.) Affected Population Seborrheic Keratosis predominately affects middle aged individuals, although in very rare cases, it can be present at birth. Related Disorders Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Seborrheic Keratosis. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis: Malignant Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is characterized by rapid growth of cells which form melanin (normal skin pigmentation). These melanomas can appear on any part of the body. In early stages, skin lesions of various sizes, shapes and colors may resemble those found in Seborrheic Keratosis. A skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. If left untreated, abnormal cells may invade various body organs. Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma is characterized by localized, slow growing skin nodules which rarely spread to other parts of the body. These small, shiny and firm growths are associated with skin or hair follicle cells. Ulcerated, crusted lesions, and flat, scar-like plaques with hardened skin may also develop. Therapies: Standard Since Seborrheic Keratosis is not a form of skin cancer, treatment is not essential and removal of lesions is usually performed only to enhance comfort and/or cosmetic appearance. Treatment of Seborrheic Keratosis consists of removal of the skin lesions by scraping (curettage), sealing off blood vessels or destruction of lesions (electrodessication) with local anesthetic, shave excision, or freezing with CO2 snow or liquid nitrogen. Trichloroacetic acid may be used to eliminate lesions. Dermabrasion removal may also be performed. In most cases, scarring is not associated with removal of these skin lesions. Therapies: Investigational This disease entry is based upon medical information available through June 1990. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Seborrheic Keratosis, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse Box AMS Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 495-4484 For genetic information, contact: March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605 (914) 428-7100 Alliance of Genetic Support Groups 35 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 440 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (800) 336-GENE (301) 652-5553 References SEBORRHEIC KERATOSES: A.H. Kettler, et al.; Am Fam Physician (August 1986, issue 34(2) ). Pp. 147-152. DIFFERENTIATING SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS FROM SKIN NEOPLASM: R.W. Cashmore, et al.; Geriatrics (July 1985, issue 40(7)). Pp. 69-71, 74-75. DERMABRASION FOR THE TREATMENT OF A GIANT SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS: E Pepper; J Dermatol Surg Oncol (June 1985, issue 11(6)). Pp. 646-647.