Difference Between Seborrheic Keratosis & Skin Cancer
Seborrheic keratosis is a benign skin growth that develops in the keratinocytes or the epidermal cells of the skin. Skin cancer, on the other hand, is a malignant growth that develops in the epidermis.
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Appearance
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Seborrheic keratosis is usually round or oval and rough or scaly to touch. They also have a wart-like appearance. Skin cancer can look like seborrheic keratosis. They are changes in the skin that do not heal. Many skin cancers appear as sores that just won't heal.
Causes
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Seborrheic keratosis causes are not determined. Sun exposure may play a role, as well as genetics, it their development. Skin cancer has many potential causes, from UV radiation exposure, chronic nonhealing wounds like burns and HPV (human papillomavirus).
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Diagnosis
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Both skin cancer and seborrheic keratosis are looked at as an initial determination. When in doubt, a skin biopsy is recommended.
Treatment
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Seborrheic keratosis does not require any treatment. Skin cancer can be managed depending on the location or the cancer and the age of the patient. Topical chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy and micrographic surgery treat skin cancer.
Prevention
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Avoiding sun exposure may help prevent both skin cancer and seborrheic keratosis. Avoidance of tobacco products and chemoprevention tropicals like 5-fluorouracil helps prevent skin cancer's development.
Insight
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If you have a spot on your skin you are concerned about, a visit to your dermatologist is recommended if skin cancer is suspected. Early treatment of skin cancer will help prevent it from metastasizing, which is almost always fatal.
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