Which statement is accurate about seborrheic keratosis?

Which statement is accurate about seborrheic keratosis?

• A. It is malignant and needs aggressive treatment
• B. It is benign and often managed cosmetically with cryotherapy, curettage, or laser
• C. It spreads rapidly to lymph nodes
• D. It causes systemic illness

Answer: (B)

Seborrheic keratosis is a common, benign skin growth that typically appears in older adults. It does not have malignant potential and does not spread to lymph nodes or cause systemic illness. Because it’s benign, treatment is usually for cosmetic reasons or irritation rather than disease control. Local destructive or ablative options—such as cryotherapy to freeze the lesion, curettage to remove it, or laser therapy—are commonly used when management is desired. The other ideas imply cancer, metastatic spread, or systemic illness, which do not describe seborrheic keratosis.

Seborrheic keratosis is a common, benign skin growth that typically appears in older adults. It does not have malignant potential and does not spread to lymph nodes or cause systemic illness. Because it’s benign, treatment is usually for cosmetic reasons or irritation rather than disease control. Local destructive or ablative options—such as cryotherapy to freeze the lesion, curettage to remove it, or laser therapy—are commonly used when management is desired. The other ideas imply cancer, metastatic spread, or systemic illness, which do not describe seborrheic keratosis.