Dysplastic Nevus vs Seborrheic Keratosis

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

Feature
Dysplastic Nevus
Seborrheic Keratosis
Category
Pre-cancerous
Benign
Key feature
Atypical moles with irregular features. The single strongest visual risk marker for melanoma.
Waxy, stuck-on growths - the most common benign tumor in adults over 50. Harmless but frequently mistaken for melanoma.
Risk factors
Family history of dysplastic nevi or melanoma; Fair skin (Fitzpatrick I-II); Sun exposure and sunburns
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 atypical mole actively changing in size, shape, or color
Only if you are unsure whether a growth is SK or melanoma

Dysplastic Nevus

A dysplastic nevus is a mole displaying irregular features: larger than 5mm, irregular borders, uneven pigmentation, and often a flat component surrounding a raised center (the fried egg appearance).

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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 dysplastic nevus?

Quick self-check

Does this look like dysplastic nevus? Answer 2 questions.

Is the mole larger than 5mm (pencil eraser size)?

Does it look distinctly different from your other moles?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →