Skin Growths - Differences Please?

[Ann]

How can you tell the difference between a Seborrheic keratosis and skin cancer? Do they both have the same symptoms and appearance?

[rojash]

"How are seborrhoeic keratoses diagnosed?

Seborrhoeic keratoses are much more common than skin cancers, however a very dark seborrhoeic keratosis can look similar to a melanoma. It is therefore important that either a general practitioner or specialist checks any pigmented lesions to ensure that the correct diagnosis is made.

Seborrhoeic keratoses can cause worry by becoming inflamed or bleeding. If there is any doubt, a skin biopsy can be done to confirm the diagnosis."

from http://www.bad.org.uk/site/873/default.aspx

[Henry's Wife]

I would get all suspicious or new lesions checked. If you are not happy with a GP diagnosis ask for a referral to your local dermatologists as they will biopsy the lesion if they think this is sinister. GP's in the past have been known to miss diagnose

[boxtops]

ann, I had a doutful growth on the middle of my back, which I couldn't see - now and again it bled, it used to catch on my waistband - and as rojash suggsted, mine was dark and raised. The GP took a look at it closely under a magnifying glass, could immediately see that it was a keratosis and nothing more sinister, so he arranged for it to be taken off at our local minor surgery clinic. However, just to be on the safe side, they send the sample for histology - just waiting for the results now.

I wouldn't try to tell the difference myself - if in doubt, get it looked at.

[Ann]

Will do Boxie, its no good sitting here worrying is it, I must be sensible :)

[Sqad]

\\\How can you tell the difference between a Seborrheic keratosis and skin cancer?\\\

Sometimes easy, sometime very difficult to tell the difference, but a biopsy is the only answer.

See your GP.

[ruthandsam]

My Dad has had three melanomas removed from his face/head. The GP was sceptical that they were anything more than seborrhoeic keratoses. He was wrong and my Dad was correct and due to him being so stubborn and having a bit of knowledge in that area, they were all removed successfully. He's now found a fourth on his cheek. To me they looked nothing more than a tiny mark surrounded by a light area of skin, however, what do I know. Thank goodness he persisted with asking for a referral and getting them sorted asap.

The only other thing I must mention is I distinctly remember my Dad getting terribly sun burnt many, many times as he refused to use suncream.

I hope you are able to get a diagnosis and treatment, if necessary, and all the best to you rojash! Let us know how you go on.......