Patients
Seborrhoeic keratoses are benign, wart-like skin growths that commonly appear with age. They vary in colour from light brown to black and often, though not always, have a rough, raised texture.
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The diagnosis of Seborrhoeic Keratosis is best made by a Dermatologist as other skin lesions can look like it.
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Whilst harmless, they may become irritated, catch on clothing or cause cosmetic (aesthetic) upset.
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Removal is performed under local anaesthetic using simple, non-invasive techniques.
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Seborrhoeic keratoses are benign, wart-like skin growths that commonly appear with age. They vary in colour from light brown to black and often, though not always, have a rough, raised texture.
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The diagnosis of Seborrhoeic Keratosis is best made by a Dermatologist as other skin lesions can look like it.
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Whilst harmless, they may become irritated, catch on clothing or cause cosmetic (aesthetic) upset.
‍
Removal is performed under local anaesthetic using simple, non-invasive techniques.
A benign mole is a harmless one (not canerous or pre-cancerous).
Benign moles include Intradermal naevus, compound naevus, congenital naevus, epidermal naevus, benign pigmented naevus.
Depending on the type of mole, its position on the body and its size, they can be removed by shave excison or resection.
Resection is when the mole is cut out and the wound stitched closed.
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The choice of the above two treatments depends on the type of mole and an assessment of the best scar outcome possible.
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There is a small chance of the mole coming back with shave excision but in most cases, the lesser scarring outweighs any concerns about the small risk of it recurring in the future.
Mole removal is a local anaesthetic procedure.
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Moles should be sent for histology and both the above two removal methods allow for a sample to be sent.
Cancerous or pre-cancerous (dysplastic) naevi.
If you have a mole that has noticeably changed, especially over a period of 3-6 months, or that you are worried about, it is best to get it seen to.
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The NHS offers a Two Week Rule pathway whereby the mole is seen by a Dermatologist within 2 weeks of being referred by your GP. It is good advice to get any suspicious moles seen by your GP who can advise if the mole should be dealt with by the NHS.
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Private treatment has a role if:
• You are having difficulty getting a mole checked on the NHS,
• cannot get to the hospital appointment at the given time in         work hours etc
• the anxiety of waiting, even on the two week pathway, gets          too much.
• You are concerned about the mole despite being told it is          benign.
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Suspicious moles are treated by resecting with a thin margin of skin around them and the wound stitched closed. We do not offer shave excision for moles we are suspicious of.
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All our histology is carried out by consultant histopathologists.
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At the Interface Clinic, no GP referral is required and patients can self-refer for treatment. If you have however seen your GP regarding your Seborrhoeic Keratosis then it is good practice to ask for your notes for our records as part of your medical records with us.
Seborrhoeic keratoses removal takes approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on the number and size of the lesions. Unless otherwise decided by our doctor and with your agreement, the removed lesion will be sent for analysis by Consultant Histopathologists at UK accredited laboratories.
Healing Time: The area typically heals within one to three weeks, depending on the site and size of lesion.
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Scarring: Scarring is uncommon, there are typically lighter, but sometimes darker coloured blemishes left at the surgery sites. Many patients heal without any mark.
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Activity Restrictions: Normal activities can usually be resumed immediately, but the area should be kept clean and dry for 2 days.
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Answers to your frequently asked questions...
There is a small chance they may grow back.
The local anaesthetic administration stings a bit but after that the procedure is painless and the area numb.
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The area typically heals within one to two weeks, depending on the site and size of lesion.
Common factors are getting older, sun exposure, familial tendancy. Younger women may develop them in pregnancy.
A confidentallydiagnosed seborrhoeic Keratosis does not need removal unless it is causingenough disruption (physical or psychological) to warrant treatment.
This service is available from our following clinics: