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A seborrheic wart is the most common neoplastic lesion that usually occurs after the age of 30 (more often in men). Its appearance sometimes resembles pedunculated, papillary lesions located mainly on the skin of the torso, and sometimes on the skin of the face. The origin of the ailments is unknown.
Fig.22.3. Seborrheic wart
What is a seborrheic wart?
A seborrheic wart is a benign lesion of the epidermis, considered to be the most common neoplastic lesion. It usually appears after the age of 30 and is characterized by round, lumpy and convex growths. On the top of the skin lesions there are cavities with sebum and callous epidermis, which makes the warts rough to the touch. At the beginning, the eruptions are a few millimeters long, flat or slightly raised, light brown or skin-colored eruptions. Then, hyperkeratotic, papillary, yellowish or brown formations appear – they are well demarcated from the environment, often lofty, as if applied to the skin.
Seborrheic warts are not accompanied by pain, except when they are irritated, e.g. by too tight clothing.
Any skin changes should be consulted with a dermatologist. If you are unable to visit a site, use online advice. Register, take a photo of the skin lesion and send it to the doctor before the consultation. After consultation, you will receive an e-Referral and an e-Prescription
The causes of the appearance of a seborrheic wart
The causes of this ailment are not known. It is known that it is not caused by any virus, so it is not possible to get infected from another person. However, there is some suspicion that a seborrhoeic wart may be of genetic origin as the presence of a family history of warts has been noted. Another potential cause is prolonged exposure to the sun, such as sunbathing too much.
Seborrheic warts are most common in adults over 30 years of age and in people with a family history of such changes. The older the patient is, the more warts appear, hence the colloquial name: senile warts. As for gender – the ailment occurs to a similar degree in both women and men.
Seborrheic wart – differentiation of the disease
In diagnostics, it is important to differentiate the seborrhoeic papilla from malignant changes such as, for example, melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. There are some features that indicate a benign nature of papillary lesions, including:
- no bleeding from the nipples
- no sudden growth of changes,
- no pain and burning skin lesions,
- the presence of even outlines,
- even coloring of seborrheic warts,
- good demarcation of changes from the environment.
Symptoms of a hidden malignant neoplasm may be extensive lesions of the seborrheic warts on the trunk or enlargement and itching of existing lesions. These symptoms usually appear in stomach, pancreatic and colon cancer. They also happen with lymphoma and leukemia.
- Check the preparation for removing warts
Seborrheic wart – treatment
Although a seborrhoeic wart is a benign lesion that does not pose a threat to the health and life of the patient, it is worth going to a dermatologist for an appointment. During the visit, the specialist will differentiate the seborrheic nipple from malignant lesions and implement appropriate procedures. He may, for example, suggest that the warts be removed.
On the other hand, urgent medical intervention requires massive lesions that rapidly enlarge as they may indicate the presence of a neoplastic disease.
If, apart from skin lesions, the patient has noticed other symptoms (enlarged lymph nodes or breast asymmetry), she should undergo a package of diagnostic tests showing the most common neoplastic diseases.
Ways to remove warts
1. Pharmacological agents – the patient is given preparations containing salicylic acid and having an exfoliating effect. Treatment is usually long-term and its effectiveness depends on regularity in taking medications.
2. Cryotherapy – is a method of freezing the nipples with liquid nitrogen. The frozen nipple dies and, after some time, it drops spontaneously, unfortunately after the procedure a scar may remain.
3. Curettage – involves the removal of the wart with a dermatological spoon. The procedure itself is not long-lasting and is performed under local anesthesia.
4. Electrocoagulation – it is a procedure involving the destruction of warts with the use of alternating current. It cuts and coagulates the proteins that make up the seborrheic wart. In order for the method to be performed, the patient is locally anesthetized.
5. Laser therapy – with the help of a laser, the nipple dies, which then spontaneously falls off after a few weeks. As in the case of cryotherapy, a small scar (less visible) may remain after the procedure. Laser therapy is a method used under local anesthesia.
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