What are the causes of scalp growths resembling cauliflower. How to distinguish between seborrheic keratosis and warts on the scalp. What are the symptoms and treatment options for seborrheic keratosis. How to identify potentially cancerous growths on the scalp.

Understanding Seborrheic Keratosis: The Cauliflower-Like Scalp Growth

Seborrheic keratosis is a common benign skin condition that can often be mistaken for warts, particularly when they appear on the scalp. These growths can resemble cauliflower in appearance, leading to confusion and concern among those who discover them. Unlike warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), seborrheic keratosis has no viral origin and is not contagious.

The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis remains unknown, but it is more prevalent in older individuals. These growths can appear anywhere on the body, with common locations including the scalp, chest, back, and neck. Their color can vary widely, ranging from white to brown or black.

Key Characteristics of Seborrheic Keratosis:

• Appearance: Often described as having a “stuck-on” look
• Texture: Can be smooth or rough, sometimes with a waxy feel
• Size: Typically ranges from a few millimeters to several centimeters
• Growth pattern: May start small and gradually increase in size over time
• Non-cancerous: Benign growths that do not typically become malignant

Distinguishing Seborrheic Keratosis from Warts and Other Scalp Growths

While seborrheic keratosis can resemble warts, there are several key differences that can help in identification. Warts are caused by HPV and can be transmitted through direct contact, whereas seborrheic keratosis is not contagious. Additionally, warts tend to have a more consistent appearance across different cases, while seborrheic keratosis can vary significantly in color and texture.

Common Types of Warts That May Appear on the Scalp:

1. Common warts: Rough, scaly growths that can range from pink to brown
2. Flat warts: Smaller, smoother growths that often appear in clusters
3. Filiform warts: Threadlike growths that can grow quickly, more common on the face

It’s important to note that other skin conditions can also manifest on the scalp and may be confused with warts or seborrheic keratosis. These include moles, actinic keratosis, and nevus sebaceous. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics that a dermatologist can identify during an examination.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is often asymptomatic, meaning it doesn’t typically cause pain or discomfort. However, some individuals may experience itching or irritation, especially if the growth is in an area prone to friction, such as where hair is parted or where a hat rests on the scalp.

Common Symptoms of Seborrheic Keratosis:

• Raised, waxy, or scaly patches on the skin
• Growths that appear “stuck on” to the skin’s surface
• Coloration ranging from light tan to dark brown or black
• Round or oval shape with a clearly defined border
• Occasional itching or mild irritation

Diagnosis of seborrheic keratosis is typically made through visual examination by a dermatologist. In some cases, a dermoscopy may be used to get a closer look at the growth’s characteristics. If there’s any doubt about the nature of the growth, a biopsy may be performed to rule out skin cancer or other conditions.

Treatment Options for Seborrheic Keratosis

In many cases, seborrheic keratosis does not require treatment, especially if it’s not causing any discomfort or cosmetic concerns. However, if treatment is desired or necessary, several options are available.

Common Treatment Methods for Seborrheic Keratosis:

1. Cryotherapy: Freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen
2. Electrocautery: Burning off the growth with an electric current
3. Curettage: Scraping off the growth with a special tool
4. Laser therapy: Using targeted light energy to remove the growth
5. Topical treatments: Applying prescription medications to gradually remove the growth

The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the size and location of the growth, the patient’s preferences, and any underlying health conditions. It’s important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Potential Risks and Complications of Scalp Growths

While seborrheic keratosis and most warts are benign, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks associated with scalp growths. In rare cases, what appears to be a harmless growth could be a sign of skin cancer.

Warning Signs That May Indicate Skin Cancer:

• Rapid growth or change in size, shape, or color
• Irregular borders or asymmetry
• Bleeding, crusting, or ulceration
• Persistent itching, pain, or tenderness
• Multiple colors within a single growth

If any of these signs are present, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. A dermatologist can perform a thorough examination and, if necessary, conduct a biopsy to rule out skin cancer.

Prevention and Management of Scalp Growths

While it’s not always possible to prevent seborrheic keratosis or warts, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing scalp growths and manage existing ones effectively.

Tips for Prevention and Management:

1. Practice good scalp hygiene to reduce the risk of viral infections
2. Avoid sharing personal items like hats, combs, or towels
3. Protect your scalp from excessive sun exposure
4. Perform regular self-examinations of your scalp and skin
5. Consult a dermatologist for any new or changing growths

By staying vigilant and proactive about scalp health, you can catch any potential issues early and seek appropriate treatment if needed.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Scalp Growths

While many scalp growths are harmless, certain situations warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. Understanding when to seek medical attention can help ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment if necessary.

Scenarios That Require Medical Evaluation:

• Rapid growth or sudden appearance of new scalp lesions
• Changes in the size, shape, or color of existing growths
• Persistent itching, pain, or bleeding associated with a scalp growth
• Growths that interfere with hair growth or styling
• Any scalp abnormalities in individuals with a history of skin cancer

A dermatologist can provide a thorough examination and determine whether further testing or treatment is necessary. Early detection and intervention are key to managing any potential skin health issues effectively.

Living with Seborrheic Keratosis: Coping Strategies and Quality of Life

For many people, living with seborrheic keratosis is more of a cosmetic concern than a medical one. However, the presence of these growths can still impact an individual’s self-esteem and quality of life, particularly when they occur on visible areas like the scalp.

Strategies for Coping with Seborrheic Keratosis:

1. Education: Understanding the benign nature of the condition can alleviate anxiety
2. Camouflage techniques: Using hairstyles or scalp makeup to conceal growths
3. Support groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences
4. Regular check-ups: Maintaining ongoing dermatological care for peace of mind
5. Stress management: Practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress-related exacerbations

Remember that seborrheic keratosis is a common condition that affects many people as they age. With proper management and a positive outlook, it’s possible to maintain a high quality of life despite the presence of these growths.

In conclusion, understanding the nature of seborrheic keratosis and other scalp growths is crucial for proper management and peace of mind. While these growths can be concerning, especially when they resemble more serious conditions like warts or skin cancer, most are benign and can be effectively managed with the help of a dermatologist. By staying informed, practicing good scalp health, and seeking medical attention when necessary, individuals can navigate the challenges of scalp growths with confidence and maintain optimal skin health.

Causes, Side Effects, Risks, and Treatment

Warts are skin growths that can occur on various parts of your body. They’re caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). While over 100 types of HPV have been identified, only certain types of HPV lead to warts.

Warts are common and are estimated to affect about 10 percent of people. Most warts are benign (noncancerous). However, some HPV types can cause cancer in areas like the cervix, penis, anus, and throat.

You can develop warts on any part of your body, including on your scalp. Scalp warts are often just a nuisance, mainly leading to cosmetic concerns.

Keep reading to learn more about scalp warts, what causes them, and how to detect other skin conditions that may appear similar to them.

The picture below includes one example of what scalp warts may look like.

Scalp warts are caused by a virus called HPV. You may be familiar with HPV in the context of genital warts. However, the types of HPV that cause warts on your scalp are different from those that cause genital warts.

HPV can be passed to others, mainly through direct skin-to-skin contact. It can also spread by touching objects or surfaces that have come into contact with the virus, such as towels, razors, or the floors of public showers or locker rooms.

HPV typically enters through an open cut or scrape. From there, the virus can go on to affect host cells, causing an increase in cell growth. This leads to the formation of skin growths called warts. There are several types of warts.

Common warts

Common warts can occur on any area of your body, including on your scalp. However, they’re more common on your hands and fingers. They can range in size from 1 millimeter to a few centimeters.

These warts are typically painless and often feel rough or scaly to the touch. They may have a rounded appearance.

Common warts can come in a variety of colors, including pink, beige, or brown.

They can also be speckled with small black dots, which are tiny blood vessels that have clotted (seed warts).

Flat warts

Unlike common warts, flat warts are smoother and are smaller in size. They typically occur in multiples.

Flat warts may be yellowish or brownish in color. They’re commonly found on the face and legs. In some cases, they may occur on the scalp.

Filiform warts

Filiform warts appear threadlike or brushlike. They can grow quickly and often happen on the face around the mouth, eyes, and nose. In rarer cases, they may be seen on the scalp.

Seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is a skin condition that can affect older people. It can begin as small bumps that eventually take on a wartlike appearance.

These growths can appear anywhere on the body. Common locations include the scalp as well as the chest, back, and neck. The color of seborrheic keratoses can vary and can include white, brown, or black.

While it may look like warts, seborrheic keratosis isn’t caused by HPV and doesn’t spread to others. Its exact cause is unknown.

Other possibilities

There are other skin conditions that can also happen on the scalp and may potentially resemble warts. These include:

• Moles. Moles are clusters of pigment-containing skin cells. They’re round or oval-shaped and can be flat or raised. While moles can happen anywhere, they often appear in areas exposed to sun, such as the scalp, back, and arms.
• Actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis happens on sun-damaged areas of skin. It often occurs on the scalp, face, and arms. Areas of actinic keratosis have a rough, scaly appearance and may itch.
• Nevus sebaceous. Nevus sebaceous is a rare birthmark that can occur on the scalp, face, or neck. It often becomes more prominent during puberty and can take on a wartlike appearance.

Can it be cancer?

Skin cancer often occurs on areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, face, and back. Some types of skin cancer may be wartlike in appearance.

There are three types skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC). BCC often presents as a skin-colored or pearl-like bump. It may also appear as a pink patch of skin.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC can appear as a scaly patch, a firm red bump, or a sore. It can also develop from existing actinic keratosis.
• Melanoma. Melanoma can develop in a new mole or a preexisting mole.

Melanoma typically:

• are asymmetrical
• have an irregular border
• vary in color or have inconsistent color
• are larger in size
• change noticeably over time

Overall, warts on your scalp are unlikely to lead to serious risks or side effects. Warts at this location are typically benign.

However, scratching or picking at a scalp wart can cause warts to spread to other areas of your scalp. Because of this, use caution when brushing, cutting, or shaving your hair.

Additionally, touching your scalp wart and then touching the skin on another part of your body can potentially spread warts to that location. Always wash your hands after you touch a wart.

Some other types of skin growths that have a wartlike appearance can be precancerous or cancerous. If you find a skin growth on your scalp that concerns you, make an appointment with a doctor.

Many times, warts will go away on their own without treatment. However, this may sometimes take months to years.

Because warts can often be a nuisance, many people opt to use some type of treatment to help them go away. Below are some of the potential treatment options for warts.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a medication that’s available over-the-counter (OTC). You can find it in many forms, such as a liquid, gel, or pad. It works by gradually dissolving the layers of the wart.

You apply salicylic acid products directly to the wart on a daily basis. While this OTC treatment can have good results, it may take several weeks to be effective. There are also prescription-strength salicylic acid medications.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy for warts involves freezing them with liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold from the liquid nitrogen works to destroy the outer layers of the wart.

Cryotherapy is typically performed at a dermatologist’s office. However, there are various OTC products that can be used to freeze warts as well. These products don’t reach the same temperature as liquid nitrogen and aren’t nearly as effective.

Prescription creams

Prescription creams like imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil work by stimulating the immune system and inducing an irritant reaction. The immune system then clears away the cells containing the virus.

Electrosurgery

During electrosurgery, a dermatologist uses an electrical current to burn the wart. The wart is then scraped off.

Excision

When a wart is excised, a dermatologist cuts it out. Because this method can cause scarring, other treatment options are recommended before excision.

Duct tape

Duct tape is a home remedy for warts that involves placing a small piece of duct tape on the wart and removing it every few days.

Treating a wart with duct tape may help to slowly remove the layers of the wart. Duct tape works by inducing an irritant reaction via the adhesive, bringing the immune system into the area, which then hopefully recognizes and clears away the cells containing the virus.

However, evidence from clinical trials for the efficacy of this treatment is inconsistent.

Other home remedies

In addition to duct tape, there are several other home remedies that you may come across for the treatment of warts. Some of these include garlic, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil.

It’s important to remember that scientific evidence for many of these home remedies is very limited. For some remedies, evidence is anecdotal only, meaning it comes from personal testimony and not from research.

If you choose to use a home remedy for warts, do so with caution. Some may cause side effects such as a skin reaction or even a chemical burn.

It’s a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor if you notice growths on your scalp that:

• don’t go away or get worse with home care
• disrupt activities like brushing your hair or getting a haircut
• cause pain, itching, or bleeding
• change in appearance or color
• occur in large numbers

A doctor can often diagnose warts by examining them directly. However, it’s possible that they may also take a skin biopsy to rule out other types of skin conditions that may appear similar to warts.

There are some things that you can do to help prevent new warts from forming on your scalp:

• Don’t touch. You can potentially spread warts to other areas by touching a wart and then touching another area of skin. If you do touch a scalp wart, wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
• Don’t share personal items. Avoid sharing items like hairbrushes, towels, or hats. It’s possible for scalp warts to spread in this way.
• Use caution when grooming. It’s possible that tiny tears can occur in the skin of your scalp, allowing the wart to spread. This is particularly true if you shave your head.
• Keep your head dry. Warts tend to spread more easily in moist areas.
• Cover it. Covering your wart can help keep it from coming into contact with other areas of skin or with personal items. However, this may not be possible depending on its location on your head.

Takeaway                            

Warts are caused by an infection with a virus called HPV. It’s possible to develop warts on your scalp. The types of warts that can occur at this location include common warts, flat warts, and follicular warts.

Additionally, several other skin conditions that look like warts can happen on the scalp.

It’s a good idea to call a doctor if you develop a growth on your scalp that’s concerning, painful, or changes in appearance. They can help to determine what’s causing it and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Causes, Side Effects, Risks, and Treatment

Warts are skin growths that can occur on various parts of your body. They’re caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). While over 100 types of HPV have been identified, only certain types of HPV lead to warts.

Warts are common and are estimated to affect about 10 percent of people. Most warts are benign (noncancerous). However, some HPV types can cause cancer in areas like the cervix, penis, anus, and throat.

You can develop warts on any part of your body, including on your scalp. Scalp warts are often just a nuisance, mainly leading to cosmetic concerns.

Keep reading to learn more about scalp warts, what causes them, and how to detect other skin conditions that may appear similar to them.

The picture below includes one example of what scalp warts may look like.

Scalp warts are caused by a virus called HPV. You may be familiar with HPV in the context of genital warts. However, the types of HPV that cause warts on your scalp are different from those that cause genital warts.

HPV can be passed to others, mainly through direct skin-to-skin contact. It can also spread by touching objects or surfaces that have come into contact with the virus, such as towels, razors, or the floors of public showers or locker rooms.

HPV typically enters through an open cut or scrape. From there, the virus can go on to affect host cells, causing an increase in cell growth. This leads to the formation of skin growths called warts. There are several types of warts.

Common warts

Common warts can occur on any area of your body, including on your scalp. However, they’re more common on your hands and fingers. They can range in size from 1 millimeter to a few centimeters.

These warts are typically painless and often feel rough or scaly to the touch. They may have a rounded appearance.

Common warts can come in a variety of colors, including pink, beige, or brown.

They can also be speckled with small black dots, which are tiny blood vessels that have clotted (seed warts).

Flat warts

Unlike common warts, flat warts are smoother and are smaller in size. They typically occur in multiples.

Flat warts may be yellowish or brownish in color. They’re commonly found on the face and legs. In some cases, they may occur on the scalp.

Filiform warts

Filiform warts appear threadlike or brushlike. They can grow quickly and often happen on the face around the mouth, eyes, and nose. In rarer cases, they may be seen on the scalp.

Seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is a skin condition that can affect older people. It can begin as small bumps that eventually take on a wartlike appearance.

These growths can appear anywhere on the body. Common locations include the scalp as well as the chest, back, and neck. The color of seborrheic keratoses can vary and can include white, brown, or black.

While it may look like warts, seborrheic keratosis isn’t caused by HPV and doesn’t spread to others. Its exact cause is unknown.

Other possibilities

There are other skin conditions that can also happen on the scalp and may potentially resemble warts. These include:

• Moles. Moles are clusters of pigment-containing skin cells. They’re round or oval-shaped and can be flat or raised. While moles can happen anywhere, they often appear in areas exposed to sun, such as the scalp, back, and arms.
• Actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis happens on sun-damaged areas of skin. It often occurs on the scalp, face, and arms. Areas of actinic keratosis have a rough, scaly appearance and may itch.
• Nevus sebaceous. Nevus sebaceous is a rare birthmark that can occur on the scalp, face, or neck. It often becomes more prominent during puberty and can take on a wartlike appearance.

Can it be cancer?

Skin cancer often occurs on areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, face, and back. Some types of skin cancer may be wartlike in appearance.

There are three types skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC). BCC often presents as a skin-colored or pearl-like bump. It may also appear as a pink patch of skin.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC can appear as a scaly patch, a firm red bump, or a sore. It can also develop from existing actinic keratosis.
• Melanoma. Melanoma can develop in a new mole or a preexisting mole.

Melanoma typically:

• are asymmetrical
• have an irregular border
• vary in color or have inconsistent color
• are larger in size
• change noticeably over time

Overall, warts on your scalp are unlikely to lead to serious risks or side effects. Warts at this location are typically benign.

However, scratching or picking at a scalp wart can cause warts to spread to other areas of your scalp. Because of this, use caution when brushing, cutting, or shaving your hair.

Additionally, touching your scalp wart and then touching the skin on another part of your body can potentially spread warts to that location. Always wash your hands after you touch a wart.

Some other types of skin growths that have a wartlike appearance can be precancerous or cancerous. If you find a skin growth on your scalp that concerns you, make an appointment with a doctor.

Many times, warts will go away on their own without treatment. However, this may sometimes take months to years.

Because warts can often be a nuisance, many people opt to use some type of treatment to help them go away. Below are some of the potential treatment options for warts.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a medication that’s available over-the-counter (OTC). You can find it in many forms, such as a liquid, gel, or pad. It works by gradually dissolving the layers of the wart.

You apply salicylic acid products directly to the wart on a daily basis. While this OTC treatment can have good results, it may take several weeks to be effective. There are also prescription-strength salicylic acid medications.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy for warts involves freezing them with liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold from the liquid nitrogen works to destroy the outer layers of the wart.

Cryotherapy is typically performed at a dermatologist’s office. However, there are various OTC products that can be used to freeze warts as well. These products don’t reach the same temperature as liquid nitrogen and aren’t nearly as effective.

Prescription creams

Prescription creams like imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil work by stimulating the immune system and inducing an irritant reaction. The immune system then clears away the cells containing the virus.

Electrosurgery

During electrosurgery, a dermatologist uses an electrical current to burn the wart. The wart is then scraped off.

Excision

When a wart is excised, a dermatologist cuts it out. Because this method can cause scarring, other treatment options are recommended before excision.

Duct tape

Duct tape is a home remedy for warts that involves placing a small piece of duct tape on the wart and removing it every few days.

Treating a wart with duct tape may help to slowly remove the layers of the wart. Duct tape works by inducing an irritant reaction via the adhesive, bringing the immune system into the area, which then hopefully recognizes and clears away the cells containing the virus.

However, evidence from clinical trials for the efficacy of this treatment is inconsistent.

Other home remedies

In addition to duct tape, there are several other home remedies that you may come across for the treatment of warts. Some of these include garlic, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil.

It’s important to remember that scientific evidence for many of these home remedies is very limited. For some remedies, evidence is anecdotal only, meaning it comes from personal testimony and not from research.

If you choose to use a home remedy for warts, do so with caution. Some may cause side effects such as a skin reaction or even a chemical burn.

It’s a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor if you notice growths on your scalp that:

• don’t go away or get worse with home care
• disrupt activities like brushing your hair or getting a haircut
• cause pain, itching, or bleeding
• change in appearance or color
• occur in large numbers

A doctor can often diagnose warts by examining them directly. However, it’s possible that they may also take a skin biopsy to rule out other types of skin conditions that may appear similar to warts.

There are some things that you can do to help prevent new warts from forming on your scalp:

• Don’t touch. You can potentially spread warts to other areas by touching a wart and then touching another area of skin. If you do touch a scalp wart, wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
• Don’t share personal items. Avoid sharing items like hairbrushes, towels, or hats. It’s possible for scalp warts to spread in this way.
• Use caution when grooming. It’s possible that tiny tears can occur in the skin of your scalp, allowing the wart to spread. This is particularly true if you shave your head.
• Keep your head dry. Warts tend to spread more easily in moist areas.
• Cover it. Covering your wart can help keep it from coming into contact with other areas of skin or with personal items. However, this may not be possible depending on its location on your head.

Takeaway                            

Warts are caused by an infection with a virus called HPV. It’s possible to develop warts on your scalp. The types of warts that can occur at this location include common warts, flat warts, and follicular warts.

Additionally, several other skin conditions that look like warts can happen on the scalp.

It’s a good idea to call a doctor if you develop a growth on your scalp that’s concerning, painful, or changes in appearance. They can help to determine what’s causing it and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

What do the growths on the head say?

Neoplasms can appear anywhere on the body. The scalp is no exception. However, this is a rather difficult place to independently determine the type of neoplasm that has appeared. Therefore, we have prepared a list of the most common growths on the head, dividing them into three groups: malignant, borderline and benign.

In one of our articles “Skin growths: benign, malignant and borderline”, we have already talked about skin growths and classified them according to the danger to human health. Today we will analyze those that are most often found on the head and, sometimes, are invisible under the hair. Experts recommend regularly probing and, if possible, examining the head for the presence of neoplasms, since the proximity of a malignant neoplasm to the brain can lead to irreparable consequences. If you notice a strange growth on your head, contact your dermatologist or oncologist immediately.

The scalp is also the most traumatized and exposed area. Many people use combs with hard teeth, which can easily rip off the build-up. In addition, we wash our hair, dye, apply masks that can corrode the neoplasm and provoke its degeneration into a malignant tumor. Another risk factor is long exposure to the sun without a hat. As you know, many moles tend to become malignant with prolonged and strong exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

That is why, if you find or feel a growth in your hair that:

• hurts;
• bleeds;
• itches;
• peeling off;
• festering

Need to see a specialist urgently.

Types of neoplasms on the head

First, let’s consider malignant neoplasms on the scalp.

1. Melanoma.

First of all, malignant neoplasms include melanoma – skin cancer. You can learn more about it in our special article “Skin Cancer: Melanoma.”. The neoplasm looks like a small light brown or black plaque with a rough surface. Melanoma is dangerous, it metastasizes and can lead to irreparable consequences. Therefore, if it is found on the scalp, you should immediately consult a doctor. One of the most effective treatments for melanoma is laser therapy, which helps skin cells regenerate faster while killing all harmful cells.

2. Basalioma.

The second reason not to waste time and go for an examination to an oncologist may be a neoplasm similar to a nodule with a crust, light pink or red – this is a basalioma. It develops from the cells of the basal layer of the skin and is often accompanied by the formation of ulcers and erosions. You can learn more about this neoplasm in our special article “Basalioma. Skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma.”. The advanced method of treating basalioma is photodynamic therapy (for more details, see PDT), this is a sparing method of exposure, which already after several sessions gives visible results.

3. Epithelioma.

Skin epithelioma is a tumor that develops on the surface layer of the epidermis. Also, epithelioma of the sebaceous gland is distinguished – a neoplasm that occurs on the scalp, with inflammation of the sebaceous glands. Epithelioma looks like a growth of pink or light brown color, can reach 5 cm in diameter. This neoplasm is dangerous because it metastasizes to the lymph nodes very quickly. It can occur against the background of previous dermatological diseases, as well as strong UV radiation.

Borderline neoplasms on the scalp

1. Keratosis.

Keratosis of the scalp is the keratinization of the upper layer of the skin. Most often found on the face and scalp, it can be located both on a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin and affect the entire surface of the head. The neoplasm looks like multiple warts, from light to dark brown. Specialists also detect seborrheic keratosis of the scalp, its appearance indicates pathologies occurring in the body. With such a diagnosis, a thorough examination is necessary, since this may be evidence of cancer of the internal organs. Treatment of keratosis of the scalp is prescribed by an oncologist or dermatologist, after receiving all the tests. Treatment options may include medication and peeling, massage, and laser therapy.

2. Keratoacanthoma.

Keratoacanthoma of the scalp is a benign tumor of the hair follicles, most often seen in the elderly. It is a spherical dense neoplasm affecting the scalp. Keratoacanthoma and its multiple form, has a flesh color, and can grow rapidly, reaching 2-3 cm. In some cases, the neoplasm can degenerate into a malignant one, especially if it is often injured. Treatment of keratoacanthoma is possible only with its complete excision with a scalpel, electric current or laser.

Benign tumors on the scalp

1. Moles.

A mole is a small pigmented formation on the skin that can appear at any age and on any part of the skin, even on the head in the hair. In large numbers, moles can grow during puberty, with hormonal failure or pregnancy, which you can read more about in our special article. According to statistics, a mole on the scalp is not dangerous, the likelihood of degeneration into skin cancer is extremely small. However, it is necessary to check moles, RTM-diagnostics is the best way to cope with this. Based on the results of the check, you may be shown the removal of a mole.

2. Warts.

Perhaps the most common neoplasms on the scalp are warts and papillomas. They appear due to the human papillomavirus, which is most often activated with reduced immunity, with severe stress, infectious diseases, and a lack of vitamins in the body. Learn more about what HPV is and how it manifests on the body in our article “Human papillomavirus”. Warts are classified as benign neoplasms, however, if the wart on the head in the hair is often injured, then it must be removed. The most effective method in such cases is laser removal.

3. Hemangioma.

Scalp hemangioma is a vascular tumor that appears due to abnormal development of blood vessels. It manifests itself in infancy and most often forms on the face, neck or scalp. This is a benign neoplasm that does not harm the body, except for aesthetic imperfection. Hemangioma of the scalp is a racemose hemangioma, it is a bumpy pink, burgundy or red formation, reaching up to 5 cm in size, rising above the skin, and does not cause discomfort or pain when pressed. Removal of hemangioma can be performed at any age, but first you need to consult a doctor. Since the removal of a hemangioma on the head may have a number of contraindications.

When treating any neoplasm on the head and hair, the most important thing is to contact a specialist in time. This will allow not only to identify a malignant tumor in the early stages, but to save life and health.

Papilloma, atheromas, nevi. What to do?

With the onset of summer, people begin to wear revealing clothing, as a result of which they often find themselves exposed to sunlight. At this time of the year, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of various formations on the surface of the body, since seemingly harmless warts, birthmarks, moles can lead to a life-threatening disease – melanoma, which develops under the influence of the sun on various skin formations.

Papilloma

Papilloma is a benign neoplasm caused by the human papillomavirus. Men and women suffer from papilloma equally, but the manifestation of the disease occurs only after 2 to 3 months. Papilloma in appearance resembles a small nodule and resembles cauliflower inflorescences. In size, papilloma can range from 1 millimeter to 2 centimeters. At first, the papillomas are almost indistinguishable in color from the skin, but then they begin to darken, becoming a rich brown hue.

Atheroma

Atheroma is commonly understood as a benign tumor of the sebaceous gland of the skin. The main cause of atheroma is blockage of the sebaceous ducts. Localization of atheroma occurs in areas of skin rich in sebaceous glands. The neoplasm is round, has clear boundaries,

Nevi

It is difficult to meet a person who does not have congenital or benign pigmented formations on the skin – moles that have appeared during their life. Moles, which are scientifically called nevi, can be located on any part of the face and body. Nevi can appear throughout life, starting from the very birth of a person. In their form, nevi can be both flat and convex.

Treatment of neoplasms on the skin

Today, benign skin tumors are treated by several methods: surgical, cryodestruction (burning with liquid nitrogen), electroagulation (using high-frequency current), laser.

Surgical Removal is one of the oldest methods of dealing with neoplasms on the skin, which is still in demand today due to its reasonable price. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, which lasts about 40-60 minutes. The mole is excised with a scalpel, while a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bhealthy tissue is also captured, after which the wound is treated and sutured.

Cryodestruction is a modern method of removing pathological tissues using ultra-low temperatures. Liquid nitrogen, which boils at a temperature of -196 degrees, most often acts as a carrier of cold. Cryodestruction is a fairly short procedure, as it lasts only 30-120 seconds. The session can be extended according to the depth of the lesion and the area to be treated.

Electrocoagulation is a procedure for the removal of neoplasms on the skin by thermal action, which is formed by an electric current. In this case, direct current used in galvanocaustics, as well as high-frequency current, which is used in darsonvalization, diathermocoagulation and other methods of physiotherapy, can be used.

Laser removal suggests that small neoplasms are removed in layers, until a microwound appears, in one visit to the doctor.