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Aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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

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