A 49-Year-Old Woman with a Temporary Bleeding, Solitary Lesion on the Left Temporal Area

Abstract

Seborrheic keratosis is one of the most common benign skin tumor that results from benign clonal expansion of epidermal keratinocytes. The etiology and pathogenesis of seborrheic keratosis are still not well understood. However the role of genetic predisposition, older age and ultraviolet light has been suggested. Seborrheic keratosis is most commonly observed in the middle-aged and elderly, however it may also present in young adults. No gender predisposition is observed. Typical lesion is sharply demarcated, round or oval-shaped, elevated and stuck on the skin with a verrucous, dull, uneven, or punched-out surface. Flat seborrheic keratosis often has a smooth, velvety surface and is barely elevated above the surface of the skin. The color of the lesions varies from skin color, yellowish, light to dark brown, grey, and black. The chest, back, scalp (mainly the temporal areas) and neck are most commonly affected. Diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis is mainly established based clinical manifestation. Dermoscopy may be helpful to differentiate benign features from dysplastic or malignant tumors. Seborrheic keratosis is benign and typically does not require any treatment. However, lesions are frequently removed because of esthetic reason. The therapeutic option include cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen or CO2), shave excisions or topical agents (tazarotene, imiquimod cream, alpha-hydroxy acids, and urea ointment).