Seborrheic keratosis is a harmless type of keratosis. Keratosis is a skin disorder that is caused by over production of keratin in the skin. Seborrheic keratosis is a skin disorder that is caused by growths on the skin originating from keratinocytes – keratin cells. This skin disorder is characterized by wart like lesions that are ugly, greasy and rough and are easily irritated. Seborrheic keratosis is also known as senile warts.
Melanoma is a tumor that is malignant and originates from melanocytes. Melanin is the dark pigment that is responsible for giving the color of the skin and it is produced by cells known as melanocytes. Melanoma is a skin cancer disease.
There are a lot of differences between melanoma and seborrheic keratosis. Seborrheic keratosis is benign while melanoma is malignant. This means that seborrheic keratosis does not lead to cancer while melanoma leads to cancer- skin cancer for that matter.
Seborrheic keratosis arises from skin cells that produce keratin and are known as keratinocytes. Melanoma on the other hand arises from skin cells that produce melanin which is the giver of skin color. The cells are known as melanocytes.
Seborrheic keratosis is treatable and can disappear while melanoma is a terminal illness and can only be cured at early stages.
Seborrheic keratosis only occurs on the skin but melanoma can affect other body parts like the eye. This is so as the eye also has melanocytes.
Melanoma is a very dangerous skin disorder and in most cases deaths are reported. Seborrheic keratosis on the other hand is not dangerous and treatment is only sought for cosmetic reasons or when the irritation from the lesions is annoying.
Keratinocytes are usually damaged in seborrheic keratosis but in melanoma, the melanocytes and melanin are never affected as this skin cancer affects areas not protected by melanin.
There are few similarities between seborrheic keratosis and melanoma. This two skin disorders are believed to be caused by excessive exposure to the sun. The harmful UV light of the sun destroys the skin and in turn either of this two skin disorders is recorded.
In conclusion, melanoma is a deadly skin cancer and chances of survival are minimal without treatment. Ensure that you see a dermatologist for check up as the earlier melanoma is discovered the more the chances for survival as treatment is more effective at this stage. Seborrheic keratosis is harmless and if you have it, you have no reason to panic.
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