Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (Apr 2021)
Differential Diagnosis and Management on Seborrheic Keratosis in Elderly Patients
Abstract
Elvira Moscarella,1 Gabriella Brancaccio,1 Giulia Briatico,1 Andrea Ronchi,2 Simonetta Piana,3 Giuseppe Argenziano1 1Dermatology Unit, University of Campania, Naples, Italy; 2Pathology Unit, University of Campania, Naples, Italy; 3Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, ItalyCorrespondence: Elvira MoscarellaDermatology Unit, University of Campania, Nuovo Policlinico (edificio 9C), Via Pansini 5, Naples, 80131, ItalyTel +39 335 1727229Email [email protected]: Seborrheic keratoses are exceedingly common in the elderly and usually are easy to diagnose and do not require treatment. However, given their great variety of clinical presentation, they may give rise to false-positive cases, meaning that they may at times mimic melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. On the other hand, melanoma may mimic seborrheic keratosis, leading to incorrect patient management. With this review, we would like to summarize the current knowledge about epidemiology, clinical, dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy imaging of this common entity, and we also summarize the currently available treatment options.Keywords: seborrheic keratosis, melanoma, dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, elderly, basal cell carcinoma
