Seborrheic keratoses, commonly known as senile warts, typically have a distinctive appearance that rarely poses a challenge for doctors to make the correct diagnosis. In rare cases of uncertainty, a tissue biopsy may be necessary for further examination. Although seborrheic keratoses do not predispose to malignant melanoma (skin cancer), there have been instances where a cancerous mole has been overlooked because it was mistaken for a seborrheic wart. Therefore, if there is any uncertainty regarding such skin changes, it is always advisable to consult a doctor.
Seborrheic warts do not necessarily require treatment, but they can be easily treated by scraping during a consultation. This can be done without anaesthesia. If the discomfort during the procedure is bothersome, a topical anaesthetic cream can be applied beforehand, which also facilitates the scraping process. Freezing and laser removal are alternative methods for removing the warts. Regardless of the method used, there is a tendency for the warts to potentially reappear. In such cases, the treatment can be repeated as needed.