aetiology
Last reviewed 10/2022
Seborrhoeic keratoses have an ill-defined aetiology:
- genetic: there is a genetic predisposition with familial clustering; suggested autosomal dominant carriage
- sun exposure: no clear evidence that results from sunbathing despite common site for lesions on the torso
- viral: despite verrucous appearance in more advanced lesions, no evidence of papilloma virus involvement
- visceral malignancy:
- possible association with the release of epidermal growth factors from internal malignancy
- evidence for this theory includes an association with acanthosis nigricans and the Leser-Trelat Sign
- triggering agent may be transforming growth factor
- oestrogen administration: a weak association
- inflammatory dermatoses