dermatologic disorders
Seborrheic Keratoses
Introduction
Seborrheic keratoses are superficial, often pigmented, epithelial lesions that are usually verrucous but may occur as smooth papules. The cause of seborrheic keratosis is unknown, but genetic mutations have been identified in certain types. The lesions commonly occur in middle age and later and most often appear on the trunk or temples. In darker-skinned people, multiple 1- to 3-mm lesions can occur on the cheekbones; this condition is termed dermatosis papulosa nigra. Seborrheic keratoses vary in size and grow slowly. They may be round or oval and flesh-colored, brown, or black. They usually appear stuck on and may have a verrucous, velvety, waxy, scaling, or crusted surface. Seborrheic keratoses that are large, multiple, and/or rapidly developing can be a Cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes (Leser-Trélat sign) in patients who have certain cancers (eg, Seborrheic keratoses are benign pigmented lesions. Cause is unknown. They tend to develop in older adults and have a stuck-on appearance with a verrucous, velvety, waxy, scaly, or crusted surface. Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD. This photo shows seborrheic keratoses (hyperpigmented lesions with a stuck-on appearance) on a patient's back. DermPics/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY This photo shows multiple, small seborrheic keratoses on the cheekbones and forehead of a person with dark skin. DermPics/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Leser-Trélat sign is the rapid onset of numerous seborrheic keratoses (benign, often pigmented skin lesions with a "stuck-on" appearance). © Springer Science+Business Media 