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Seborrheic keratosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

Seborrheic keratosis is the presence of benign wart-like growths on the surface of the skin.

Alternative Names:

Benign skin tumors - keratosis; Keratosis - seborrheic; Senile keratosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign form of skin tumor . The origin is unknown. It commonly appears after age 40.

The tumors appear as wart-like growths in a variety of colors. They may appear in large numbers on the surface of the body. They are usually painless and benign, but may become irritated and itch . They may be cosmetically disfiguring and psychologically distressing as a result.

• Review Date: 10/26/2006
• Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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