Common Nevus vs Seborrheic Keratosis

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Common Nevus
Seborrheic Keratosis
Category
Benign
Benign
Key feature
Normal moles - clusters of pigment cells. Usually harmless, but monthly monitoring for changes is essential.
Waxy, stuck-on growths - the most common benign tumor in adults over 50. Harmless but frequently mistaken for melanoma.
Risk factors
Genetic predisposition (number of moles is largely hereditary); Sun exposure during childhood and adolescence; Fair skin
Age over 50 (prevalence approaches 100% in elderly); Genetic predisposition (strong familial tendency); Sun exposure may play a role in some cases
Action needed
Any mole that changes in size, shape, or color
Only if you are unsure whether a growth is SK or melanoma

Common Nevus

A common nevus is a normal mole - a well-defined growth formed by a cluster of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). Most adults develop between 10 and 40 common moles by their 30s, and the number gradually decreases with age as some moles naturally fade.

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Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is the single most common benign skin tumor, affecting nearly all adults over 60. They appear as waxy, raised, brown or tan growths that look as though they have been pasted or stuck onto the skin surface.

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Does yours look more like common nevus?

Quick self-check

Does this look like common nevus? Answer 2 questions.

Is the mole symmetrical, round, and evenly colored?

Has it changed in any way recently?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →