Description of seborrheic keratosis

These growths can be tan, brown, black, or close to your natural skin tone. Their surface may be smooth, waxy, flaky, or uneven, and they can be flat or raised. They often appear on the chest, back, scalp, face, or neck, although other areas can be involved. A growth may catch on clothing or jewellery and become irritated. Seborrheic keratoses are not the same as skin cancer, but some can resemble a suspicious mole or other lesion when viewed without an examination.

Do not scratch, cut, or pick at a growth. Arrange a skin examination if it is new, changing, repeatedly irritated, or difficult to distinguish from another lesion. If removal is appropriate, a clinician may discuss freezing with [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/), scraping with [Curettage And Cautery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/curettage-and-cautery/), or heat-based [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/). The choice depends on its appearance, location, size, and whether a sample needs assessment.

Book a prompt assessment for a growth that changes quickly, develops several colours, bleeds without being rubbed, forms an open sore, or becomes persistently painful or itchy. Seek urgent medical help for bleeding that will not stop with gentle pressure. A clinician may examine the lesion closely and decide whether testing is needed rather than assuming every stuck-on growth is benign.

Could this growth be a seborrheic keratosis or another type of lesion? Does its location or appearance make removal advisable? Would removal leave a mark, and should the tissue be assessed? What changes should prompt me to return?