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$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.