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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
Published on: August 21, 2013
The relationship between basal cell epithelioma and seborrheic keratosis. A study of 60 cases
B K Rao1, R G Freeman, E G Poulos
1Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts.
Background:
Various skin tumors can be seen rarely in association with seborrheic keratosis. We present 60 cases of seborrheic keratosis related to a basal cell epithelioma in the same specimen.
Objective:
To report association of basal cell epithelioma with seborrheic keratosis and discuss the possibility of malignant change in seborrheic keratosis.
Methods:
Sixty cases of seborrheic keratosis associated with basal cell epithelioma were studied. Tissues were fixed in neutral buffered formalin, processed, and stained with standard hematoxylin and eosin techniques.
Results:
Histological evaluation showed a seborrheic keratosis associated with basal cell epithelioma in all of the cases. Basal cell epithelioma was attached with seborrheic keratosis in a majority of the cases (40/60) and appeared to represent a part of the same tumor. Both tumors were lying adjacent to each other in the rest of the cases (20/60).
Conclusion:
Malignant change in seborrheic keratosis is controversial. We recommend the histological evaluation of seborrheic keratosis especially when inflamed or atypical in appearance. This should not be taken as a mandate for pathological evaluation or for treatment of every seborrheic keratosis as though it was potentially malignant.
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