If you have noticed a waxy, rough, or raised spot on the skin, you may be wondering whether it could be a seborrheic keratosis. Seborrheic keratosis is a common, non-cancerous skin growth that is often brown, black, or tan. This guide explains what it is, how it is assessed, and what removal options may be considered.
What Is Seborrheic Keratosis?
Seborrheic keratosis is a common, non-cancerous skin growth that often appears in adulthood. It is not an infection, and it is not a type of skin cancer. These growths may develop slowly over time and often become more common with age.
In terms of appearance, seborrheic keratosis often looks as though it is stuck onto the skin. It may appear waxy, rough, slightly raised, or darker than the surrounding skin. The colour can vary from light tan to dark brown or black.
Seborrheic keratosis can appear on areas such as the face, chest, back, neck, or scalp. Some patients notice only one lesion, while others develop several over time. The size and surface can also vary from one lesion to another.
Is Seborrheic Keratosis Dangerous?
Seborrheic keratosis is benign, which means it is not cancerous. It is also not contagious, so it cannot be passed from one patient to another. For that reason, the diagnosis itself is not usually something to be alarmed about.
Even so, it is important not to assume that every raised or pigmented lesion is a seborrheic keratosis. Some lesions can look similar, including warts, actinic keratoses, and some skin cancers. This is why a new, changing, or unusual lesion should be assessed properly.
A lesion may also cause concern if it becomes irritated, darker, crusted, or starts to bleed. These features do not always mean something serious is present, but they do need proper review. A clear diagnosis is an important step before removal is considered.
Who Gets Seborrheic Keratosis?
Seborrheic keratosis is more common from about the age of 40 onwards and tends to become more common with age. It is often seen in middle-aged and older adults, although the age at which it first appears can vary. Some patients notice only one lesion, while others develop several over time.
There also appears to be a family tendency in some patients, which suggests a genetic link. In some cases, several family members may develop similar lesions over the years. This is one reason seborrheic keratosis is often seen in patients with a family history of the condition.
Sun exposure may also play a part, although the exact cause is not fully understood. Age, family history, and cumulative sun exposure are all factors that may be considered. It is likely linked to several factors rather than one single cause.
Seborrheic Keratosis vs Moles vs Warts — What’s the Difference?
Seborrheic keratosis is not the same as a mole or a wart, although they can sometimes look similar at first glance. A seborrheic keratosis often looks as though it is stuck onto the skin and may appear waxy, rough, or slightly raised. A mole is a different type of pigmented lesion, while a wart is linked to a viral infection.
Moles can be flat or raised and may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. Warts often have a firmer surface and are caused by the human papillomavirus. Seborrheic keratosis, by contrast, is a benign skin growth that is not caused by infection.
The difference is not always easy to tell just by looking, especially if a lesion is darker, irritated, or crusted. This is why it is important not to assume what a lesion is based on appearance alone. If there is any uncertainty or if the lesion has changed, it should be assessed before removal is considered.
Can Seborrheic Keratosis Be Removed?
Yes, seborrheic keratosis can be removed. It is benign, so there is often no medical need to remove it. Some patients still choose removal because it becomes irritated, catches on clothing or jewellery, or causes physical symptoms such as tenderness, bleeding after friction, or repeated rubbing.
For some patients, the main reason is cosmetic, especially when the lesion is in a more visible area such as the face, neck, or chest. Its location can make it more noticeable in day-to-day life. This is one reason some patients ask about removal.
Before removal is considered, the lesion still needs to be assessed. This helps confirm the diagnosis and address any concerns about another type of skin lesion. The method used can depend on the size of the lesion, where it is located, how many are present, and whether biopsy or histology is needed.
Removal Options at The DOC Clinic Melbourne
At The DOC Clinic, seborrheic keratosis may be treated with radiofrequency or laser treatment, depending on the lesion being assessed. The treatment method depends on factors such as how the lesion looks, where it is located, and whether there is any reason for further testing before removal. This is why assessment is an important first step.
Radiofrequency treatment forms part of The DOC’s approach to skin lesion removal and may be used when it is considered appropriate for the lesion. This method may be discussed for lesions where controlled removal is suitable. The exact approach depends on the lesion itself and the treatment plan being recommended.
Laser treatment may also be considered in selected cases. During consultation, the lesion is examined and the available treatment options are explained. This gives you a clearer understanding of which method may be considered and why.
What to Expect: Before, During & After Removal at The DOC
Before treatment, the first step is a consultation where the lesion is examined and the diagnosis is discussed. The options for removal are then explained based on the lesion itself, including whether radiofrequency or laser treatment may be considered. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, a biopsy may be recommended before cosmetic removal is considered.
During treatment, the area being treated is prepared first and the exact steps depend on the method being used. The treatment itself is then carried out based on the plan discussed during consultation. At The DOC, consultations and treatments are performed personally by Dr Ed Omarjee.
After removal, the area is checked, and aftercare instructions are provided based on the treatment performed and the part of the body being treated. Healing can vary depending on the lesion and the method used. Advice is given on how to care for the area while it heals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is seborrheic keratosis the same as a mole?
No, seborrheic keratosis is not the same as a mole. It is a different type of benign skin growth, although it can sometimes look similar because it may be brown, dark, or raised. This is one reason proper assessment is important before removal is considered.
Can seborrheic keratosis be removed, and what methods are used?
Yes, seborrheic keratosis can be removed. At The DOC, treatment options may include radiofrequency or laser treatment, depending on the lesion being assessed. The method used depends on the lesion itself and whether there is any reason for further testing before removal.
Are seborrheic keratoses dangerous or cancerous?
Seborrheic keratoses are benign, which means they are not cancerous. They are also not contagious. Even so, they can sometimes resemble other lesions, so assessment is important if the diagnosis is uncertain or the lesion is changing.
What does seborrheic keratosis look like?
Seborrheic keratosis often looks waxy, rough, scaly, or slightly raised. It may also look as though it is stuck onto the skin. The colour is often tan, brown, or black.
Does seborrheic keratosis go away on its own?
Seborrheic keratosis generally does not go away on its own. These growths usually stay unless they are treated. In some cases, they may become thicker or more noticeable over time.
Is seborrheic keratosis removal covered by Medicare in Australia?
If removal is purely cosmetic, Medicare may not apply. Whether any rebate is available depends on the reason for treatment and whether an eligible item number applies. This can be discussed during consultation.
Book a Consultation
If you would like to have a lesion checked or discuss removal options, you can book a consultation at The DOC East in Ashburton or The DOC West in Hoppers Crossing. The clinic has locations at 47A Karnak Rd, Ashburton VIC 3147, and 302 Heaths Road, Hoppers Crossing VIC 3029.
All consultations and treatments at The DOC are conducted personally by Dr Ed Omarjee, FRACGP, CPCA Fellow, and ACAM Fellow.
