Nonmelanoma skin cancers in association with seborrheic keratoses. Clinicopathologic correlations.
BACKGROUND
Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) can be seen in association with cancers.


OBJECTIVE
Our study was designed to demonstrate the occurrence of concomitant SKs and nonmelanoma skin cancers, as well as to correlate their histological types and clinical locations. The study was not intended to be an epidemiologic survey.


METHODS
We prospectively collected 108 completely excised SKs, examined them microscopically, categorized them, and correlated the clinical site, histological type, and determined the incidence of concomitant malignancy.


RESULTS
Of the 108 SKs studied, 71 were acanthotic, 27 hyperkeratotic, and 10 reticulated. The incidence of associated nonmelanoma cancers was 4.6%. All malignancies were squamous cell carcinomas and were on sun-exposed skin. Three of the five malignancies arose in conjunction with reticulated SKs.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer in association with SKs may be greater than previously reported, particularly in SKs situated on photo damaged skin and of the reticulated type. SKs that have undergone recent growth or other clinical change should be biopsied and all SKs that are removed should be examined histologically.
Maize
J C
JC
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-0001, USA.
Snider
R L
RL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001132:Arm; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D017492:Keratosis, Seborrheic / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery