Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
To Cut or not to cut
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
To Cut or not to cut
by to cut or not to cut, Jul 05, 2006 12:00AM
Recently, my dermatologist did a skin biopsy on my left forearm (via incision, not just a scraping) and a diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis was made. He said it is pre-cancerous and I could either do nothing or have it removed by a surgeon. The lesion is about 5 mm in size. He told me that he strongly recommends to have it cut out and not "wait until it becomes a cancer".
Is surgery really necessary? A) I am worried about a scar in a very noticable location, and B) I have at least one other lesionon that looks like it. Is there another form of treatment?
I do not want to cut if not absolutely necessary. What are the statistics for seborrheic keratosis becoming malignant?
Thank you.
Is surgery really necessary? A) I am worried about a scar in a very noticable location, and B) I have at least one other lesionon that looks like it. Is there another form of treatment?
I do not want to cut if not absolutely necessary. What are the statistics for seborrheic keratosis becoming malignant?
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jul 05, 2006 12:00AM
, Jul 05, 2006 12:00AM
Seborrheic keratoses do not become malignant. They do not need to be excised--they can be removed by scraping if desired, and that doesn't scar. The story you tell doesn't make a lot of sense. If you're sure you're quoting the diagnosis accurately, then you should get another opinion.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
