Is it a Benign Skin Lesion (Sun Spot, Liver Spot, Seborrheic Keratosis) or Skin Cancer?
Hi everyone! Today I want to discuss several benign skin lesions that appear on many people that can often look like skin cancers. These are the growths that bring many people into the dermatologist’s office as they can mimic the appearance of all types of skin cancer. Fortunately, these benign lesions are much more common than the skin cancers! A very common growth is called a “seborrheic keratosis” and is related to age as they tend to appear after 30 years ofage. They tend to be rough and can range from being flesh colored to black. These skin growths tend to cause itching or irritation and can grow very quickly. Many people have multiple lesions and some people refer to these as “age spots” or “barnacles.” If peeled off, they tend to grow back, and this frustrates many people! Fortunately, these are completely benign and have no cancerous potential. However, they mimic melanoma in that they can change size, color, and shape quickly and at times can be confused as being a “mole.” Al
