Senile keratoma
Senile keratoma is a single or multiple benign formation on the skin of elderly people. Keratoma has the appearance of a pigmented rounded plaque with a diameter of several centimeters, which is covered with layers of keratinized epithelium. Senile keratoma is localized in most cases on the skin of the neck, face, hands and forearms. There are cases in which senile keratoma has developed into skin cancer. Senile keratoma occurs only in elderly patients. This fact was the first reason for the name of this disease. People over 50 with dry skin are predisposed to the formation of keratomas. According to statistics, keratomas are much more common in men and in much greater numbers.
The content of the article:
Signs of senile keratoma
Complications of senile keratoma
Diagnosis of senile keratoma
Treatment of senile keratoma
Prevention of senile keratoma
Senile keratoma
The formation of senile keratomas occurs due to the uncontrolled proliferation of layers of the epidermis, which is accompanied by simultaneous keratinization of epidermal cells. At the moment, medicine cannot give a 100% accurate answer regarding the true cause of keratomas. The location of senile keratomas in open areas of the skin suggests that this disease is associated with exposure to ultraviolet rays. Also, in some cases, the hereditary nature of keratomic formations is noted. Some doctors note that the appearance of the disease may be the result of a lack of vitamins in the body of elderly people and excessive consumption of animal fats, lack of vegetable oils in the diet.
Signs of senile keratoma
The formation of senile keratoma begins with the appearance of a yellow or brownish spot on the skin. At first, the resulting spot does not differ from the coloring of the surrounding skin, but after a while it turns brown or red. Along with the change in color, the growth of the spot also occurs, this leads to the appearance of a small papule that protrudes above the surface of the skin. The surface of the papule has small depressions and looks like a thimble. In the further development of the disease, senile keratoma acquires the characteristic appearance of a rounded and convex plaque. Its size in some cases can reach 6 centimeters in diameter. Sometimes the surface of the plaque is covered with scales. Multiple horny cysts may be localized on it, which appear due to blockage of hair follicles.
A common place of localization of senile keratoma is the back of the hands, face and neck area, less often they can be on the trunk. The formation of keratomas often has a multiple character, although there are also single formations.
The disease is characterized by a long course and very slow development. There were cases when she disappeared spontaneously. In some patients, the transformation of keratoma into a cutaneous horn is observed, which slowly grows in length.
Complications of senile keratoma
Due to the slow but constant growth of the nevus in length, a noticeable cosmetic defect may form, especially if it is located in a prominent place. The course of the disease can be significantly complicated by the constant appearance of new keratomas. This brings discomfort to the patient, since keratomas have a convex shape and are very easily injured.
The most severe complication of senile keratoma is considered to be its malignancy. Senile keratoma is a benign neoplasm on the skin, but the transformation of keratoma into basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is possible. Such a change from a benign formation to a malignant one can be facilitated by regular keratoma injury or excessive ultraviolet irradiation.
Diagnosis of senile keratoma
In order to diagnose senile keratoma, the dermatologist first conducts a visual examination of the neoplasm and dermatoscopy. If you look at the formation under a magnifying glass, you can identify characteristic keratoma depressions and horny cysts on its surface. In case of suspicion of the development of a malignant process, an immediate consultation with an oncologist is needed, as well as a siascopy and ultrasound of the skin neoplasm.
Histology of senile keratoma is performed after removal. The detection of atypical keratinocytes in the keratoma indicates that a malignant transformation has begun. The best way to exclude skin cancer and establish a diagnosis is a biopsy of a piece of education.
Treatment of senile keratoma
Senile keratomas, which can be treated in several ways, are often carried out in several stages, since the disease often recurs.
Among the most effective methods of treating senile keratomas are:
laser removal;
electrocoagulation;
radio wave method;
cryodestruction;
solkoderma;
surgical excision.
If the keratoma has a multiple character, the patient may additionally be prescribed a course of therapy with aromatic retinoids.
Treatment of senile keratoma by electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation removes keratoma easily and quickly, but does not allow further histological examination of the formation. This procedure is not used often, as it is characterized by the duration of the rehabilitation period. The operation is an excision of the keratoma with an electroscalpel. After excision of the keratoma, the skin in its place is sewn up.
Removal of senile keratoma with liquid nitrogen
Cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen may be complicated by subsequent relapse. This method involves coating the keratoma with liquid nitrogen, which acts on it and dissolves the tissues. In its place remains a dried papule, which will soon disappear and a trace will remain, somewhat resembling a burn.
Laser excision of senile keratoma
Laser keratoma removal is carried out in two known ways: by laser valorization and using a laser beam as a scalpel. The laser scalpel method allows for histological analysis of the seized material after excision. Laser removal is a very simple and affordable method, it is widely practiced in all clinics. The laser burns out and simply vaporizes the tissues. In the place where the keratoma was, a small crust will remain, which after a while will disappear on its own and healthy skin will remain in its place. Senile keratomas are removed in a few minutes.
Radiowave treatment of senile keratoma
Good results, as well as the absence of a scar and a minimum number of recurrences, are obtained by radio wave removal of keratoma. The procedure is performed by a doctor under local anesthesia.
Removal of senile keratoma by surgery
Surgical excision of keratoma is indicated in cases where there is a suspicion of malignant transformation or if the keratoma has reached a large size. Treatment of senile keratomas with solcoderm is used for multiple keratomas, as a rule, it takes place in several stages.
Medical treatment
As for drug treatment, vitamin C can be isolated. Its use in high doses limits the appearance of new keratomas. But we must remember that the old keratomas will not disappear from the vitamin. It is not recommended to use large doses of ascorbic acid for a long time, as this can cause changes in the stomach and contribute to the formation of kidney stones. It is possible to lubricate spots on the skin with hormonal ointments such as fluorocort and flucinar. These drugs will reduce inflammation in the skin and stop cell growth. But it is also impossible to apply ointments for a long time, a fungal lesion may develop.
Prevention of senile keratoma
If an age-related keratoma appears on the skin, you should immediately consult a doctor, otherwise it can transform into a malignant tumor or even into skin cancer. There is no specific method of preventing the appearance of senile keratoma, but you need to spend less time in the sun, control your diet – eat vegetables, fruits and, of course, minimize stress. In no case should you try to extract keratoma at home yourself, this can greatly worsen the further picture of the disease and lead to a fatal outcome.
