Star keratoma

Older keratoma - age-related benign skin changes in the elderly, which manifest themselves in the form of pigmented rounded foci to a few centimeters in diameter, which are covered with layers of horny epithelium. Foci of senile keratoma are most often located on the skin of the face, neck, arms and forearms. Sometimes malignant transformation of foci into skin cancer is possible.

[1], [2]

Pathogenesis

Histological examination reveals hyperkeratosis with outgrowths from it in depth, pronounced acanthosis. Proliferating cords consist of cells of a spiky layer of the epidermis, but small cells with dark cores also occur.

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Symptoms of the senile keratoma

Solitary or multiple lesions appear on open areas of the skin (face, neck, upper limbs). First there are erythematous spots, then on these sites develops a limited, hyperkeratosis. After the forcible rejection of scales, spot hemorrhages form. Scales always appear again and become dense.

Over time, protruding formations develop - dense plaques 1-1.5 cm in diameter, dark in color, round in shape, covered with dense gray crusts. With prolonged trauma (scratches, insolation) or irrational treatment, they may become malignant in the spinaloma or basaloma.

Differential diagnosis

Staric keratoma should be differentiated from vulgar wart, Bowen's disease, seborrhoeic keratosis, keratopapilloma, actinic keratosis, cutaneous horn, keratoacanthoma, ekrinnoi powder, follicular keratoma.

[8], [9], [10], [11]

Treatment of the senile keratoma

Therapy of senile keratoses is a method of preventing cancer. Patients should be registered on dispensary and be examined once every 6 months. Long-term intake of vitamin A in high doses gives a good result. At an early stage, electrocoagulation, carbonic acid snow, liquid nitrogen, 25% ointment from podophyllin, 5% fluorouracil ointment are recommended; at suspicion on a degeneration - surgical removal, as at zpiteliom, with capture of the surrounding healthy skin; X-ray therapy.