Sebhorreic Keratosis is a type of a benign outgrowth that appears on the skin, mostly in people aged above forty. Such outgrowths are not harmful at all and the worst they can get is being itchy and painful. They are therefore not cancerous at all and should not be a source of any unnecessary alarm in case they are spotted on the skin.

Melanoma, on the other hand, is the worst known type of skin cancer. It is a malignant tumor in the melanocytes, which are cells in the skin that are responsible for the production of melanin. Melanin is the dark pigment of the skin that is responsible for the varying complexion among different people.  Melanoma is so fatal that it is the leading cause of death among all types of skin diseases.

So, what is the connection between Sebhorreic Keratosis and Melanoma? Could Sebhorreic Keratosis develop into the latter? Are they similar? If not, what are the notable differences between the two?

Some people often confuse Sebhorreic Keratosis with melanoma hence causing great panic. It should however be noted, as is evident in the definitions above, that Sebhorreic Keratosis and Melanoma are two different skin conditions. So, how does one differentiate among the two.

To begin with, Melanoma is cancerous while Sebhorreic Keratosis is not. This is something, however, that cannot be easily used to differentiate among the two simply by looking at them.

The best way to tell one condition from the other is by close examination. This means that the patient is even advised to use a hand lens so as to clearly see the aspects of an outgrowth, to determine if it is a Sebhorreic Keratosis or a Melanoma. An examination of the texture should be able to do this.

Melanoma outgrowths usually have smooth surfaces and may vary in height, color, shade and density. Senhorreic Keratosis on the other hand, is usually uniform o the surface and does not vary in color or elevation.

The other noticeable difference is the fact that unlike Sebhorreic Keratosis, Melanoma outgrowths do not have horn pearls on or under the surface. Apart from that, Melanoma outgrowths occur on any part of the body as opposed to Sebhorreic Keratosis that mostly appears on the sun-exposed body parts.

If one is not sure whether the outgrowths on the skin are Sebhorreic Keratosis or Melanoma, it is advisable for one to consult a doctor as soon as possible. This is because there are chances that the outgrowths could be melanoma and for this type of skin cancer to be contained, it has to be treated early.

Sebhorreic Keratosis is therefore completely different from Melanoma. The fact that they cannot become cancerous should also assure people that they cannot become Melanoma outgrowths.

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