Is the mole on my back seborrheic keratosis?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have an ugly mole on my back. I saw a dermatologist about a year ago. I am sure he looked at this and I thought he may be said it was an S.K. but it does appear to have gotten darker than I remember it. It looks different than my other moles. A bit concerned.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Clinically, this looks like SK, seborrheic keratosis, it is not a mole (attachment removed to protect patient identity). SK is a benign growth of epidermal cell called keratinocyte. Whereas a mole or benign nevus is the benign growth of melanocyte. In the picture, It has a flaky rough surface, has stuck on appearance which is a very classical feature of SK. Dermoscopic examination gives more details to confirm the diagnosis, I am sure your dermatologist would have seen the lesion with a dermoscopy.

Usually, if the lesion appears suspicious on dermoscopic examination, we consider a shave biopsy to rule out any possible malignancy. SK can get bigger in size and turn darker as well. They may increase in number as we get older, they are also called wisdom spots. If the lesion is painful or itchy, then I would suggest you visit your doctor for dermoscopic examination and biopsy if found suspicious. As of now without any symptoms, it looks harmless.

Thank you.