A seborrheic keratosis is a type of skin growth. They can be unsightly, but the growths aren’t harmful. However, in some cases a seborrheic keratosis can be difficult to distinguish from melanoma, a very serious type of skin cancer.
A seborrheic keratosis isn’t dangerous, but you shouldn’t ignore growths on your skin. It can be difficult to distinguish between harmless and dangerous growths. Something that looks like seborrheic keratosis could actually be melanoma.
When should I get it checked?
Have a healthcare provider check your skin if:
- there’s a new growth
- there’s a change in appearance of an existing growth
- there’s only one growth (seborrheic keratosis usually exists as several)
- a growth has an unusual color, such as purple, blue, or reddish-black
- a growth has borders that are irregular (blurred or jagged)
- a growth is irritated or painful
Multiple lesions may appear, although at the beginning there may be just one. Growths can be found on many areas of the body, including the:
- chest
- scalp
- shoulders
- back
- abdomen
- face
Growths are usually round or oval-shaped and are usually brown, but they can also be yellow, white, or black.
How does it work?
Our private treatments are carried out by highly experienced local GPs and Associate Clinicians. They have a specific interest in dermatology in general practice and extensive expertise in minor surgery. You will receive a single appointment, including consultation and the procedure.
The price is fixed and includes treatment at our modern clinics and includes all consulting and surgical facilities, nursing staff, consumables including surgical treatment room, surgical instrumentation, local anaesthetic, dressings, biopsy assessment of lesions where appropriate together with a follow-up letter.
I have a Seborrheic Keratosis that I’d like checked or removed
Please contact us to find out more about our Seborrheic Keratosis service in Plymouth, Devon. Call us on 0333 332 2105 or complete the below form.
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BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
We will send you a confirmation email or letter, directions to the clinic, your payment receipt and a consent form which you should read but which you do not need to sign until you are certain you wish to proceed with the removal of your lesion.
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CONSULTATION
Your appointment includes a consultation with the clinician followed by the procedure, where it is agreed to proceed. The clinician will discuss your general health and medication. They will explain the procedure, whether there is a likelihood of recurrence and scarring, and how to prevent infection.
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TREATMENT
If you wish to proceed, you will sign a consent form. You will be awake throughout the operation and can ask questions. You will feel an initial sting from the local anaesthetic injection. The anaesthetic will wear off after a few hours and you can take paracetamol (not aspirin) if you have any mild discomfort.
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THE PROCEDURE
Clinicians use a variety of techniques to remove skin lesions including excision and cautery. The procedure sometimes involves stitches or sutures. The clinician will advise you when you will need to make an appointment at your own surgery to have the stitches removed.
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AFTERWARDS
Although it is unlikely that your lesion represents a danger to your health, we may send it for examination and let you and your GP know the result as soon as we receive it. We will also send you a patient satisfaction questionnaire which we hope you will complete.
