KERATOSES

Seborrheic keratoses are brown or black growths usually found on the chest and back, as well as on the head. They originate from cells called keratinocytes. As they develop, seborrheic keratoses take on a warty appearance. They do not lead to skin cancer. They are seen more often as people get older.

Seborrheic keratoses are harmless and are not contagious. Therefore, they don’t need to be treated. If you decide to have seborrheic keratoses removed because you don’t like the way they look, or because they are chronically irritated by clothing, methods for removing them include cutting them off, cryosurgery, and electrosurgery.