There are many people who are confused about Seborrheic keratosis Vs melanoma. Actually, they are different. Seborrheic keratosis is a skin condition that is also well known as moles. On the other hand, melanoma is a type of potentially deadly skin cancer. They look similar but the cause and effect are different. They have the same shape and color. So, it is very important to discuss them in more detailed so that you can differentiate between them.
How to Identify Seborrheic Keratosis and Melanoma
To identify these two, you have to pay attention to the following tips. Even though they have some common signs, these tips can help you differentiate between Seborrheic keratosis and melanoma. Seborrheic keratosis can be round / oval. Besides that, it may also be light tan in color. Then, it also has a scaly / waxy surface. In addition, it can be stick or capped above the skin surface. Next, it often appears in groups. Lastly, this usually stays the same size.
On the other side, melanoma may have sides which do not match in shape / size. It can also have blurred edges or fuzzy border. Then, melanoma may also have different colors in the same mole. It also has smooth surface but it can bleed. Lastly, this may change shape, size, or color over time. In addition, both of them can be black or brown. Both of them can also grow in various sizes. Lastly, they can appear anywhere on human body. That is all how to identify Seborrheic keratosis Vs melanoma. (
Read : 9 Seborrheic Keratosis Home Treatment Ideas)
About Seborrheic Keratosis or Moles
To know more about Seborrheic keratosis & melanoma, it will be better to discuss them one by one. Starts from Seborrheic keratosis, this will be more common as you age. Besides that, it also mostly affects those who have light skin tone. Commonly, this can appear on the face. Besides that it is also commonly found on the shoulders, back, and chest. However, it can appear on other parts of body such as hands, legs, stomach, neck, etc.
Seborrheic keratosis or also well known as mole can come in different sizes. It can appear very small. However, it can also come with more than 1 inch size. In some cases, it also appears in group for 2 or more. If you scratch it, it can bleed.
About Melanoma Skin Cancer
Now, we will compare Seborrheic keratosis Vs melanoma. Like moles, melanoma can also be more common as you age. On women, it commonly appears on legs or arms. On men, it usually grows and appears on neck, head or back. However, it can appear on other parts of body but it is rare.
To make it clear whether it is moles or melanoma, you can use this rule. This rule is called as ABCDE rule because it stands for 5 letters:
- Asymmetry
You have to know that melanoma does not match in shape or size.
- Border
This skin cancer has blurred or ragged edges and fuzzy border.
- Color
Melanoma has various colors that are same with moles.
- Diameter
Melanoma is usually larger than a quarter inch and grows over time.
- Evolving
It can change color, shape, and symptom such as oozing, bleeding, scaling and redness.
The Causes of Seborrheic Keratosis and Melanoma
Talking about seborheic keratosis Vs melanoma cannot be separated from the factors that cause them. Are the causes same? Let’s see!
Starts from Seborrheic keratosis or mole, it is not sure what factor that causes this. It can appear since baby but in some cases, this can appear after they grow up. So, it can be said that this comes naturally. Some experts say that it can be caused by genetically factor. However, it does not relate to the exposure of the sun, like Seborrheic keratosis or moles.
On the other side, melanoma is commonly caused by the overexposure to ultraviolet light directly from the sun. In fact, UV can damage DNA on the skin cells that leads to cancerous. So, you need to prevent it by using sun protection such as lotion.
However, the overexposure of UV is not the only cause of melanoma. This skin cancer is also related to genetically factor. So, if the parents have melanoma, the kids will also have the high risk of melanoma. A study shows that 1 from 10 people with melanoma has a family member who also have this skin cancer.
The Process of Diagnosis
Now, it is clear about Seborrheic keratosis Vs melanoma. However, diagnosing mole and melanoma sometimes cannot be done by seeing the signs. So, you need to meet a doctor for the diagnosis. The doctor usually will test it by taking a sample of your mole. The test will be processed in the laboratory.
The Treatments of Seborrheic Keratosis and Melanoma
It is very important to know the treatment of these both. Starts from Seborrheic keratosis, it is actually not dangerous. However, if you find that your models grow larger, you should meet your doctor. The doctor will test to know more about the condition.
That is all what you need to know about Seborrheic keratosis Vs melanoma. Seborrheic keratosis cannot be prevented and it is not dangerous. On the other hand, melanoma is dangerous and can lead to death. However, it can be prevented. You should protect your skin from the direct sun exposure. So, when you go outside and the weather is too hot, you may need to wear a hat, sunglasses, long pants, and jacket.
