Melanoma vs Seborrheic Keratosis

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

Feature
Melanoma
Seborrheic Keratosis
Category
Malignant
Benign
Key feature
The most dangerous skin cancer - but 99% survival when caught early. Learn the ABCDE signs.
Waxy, stuck-on growths - the most common benign tumor in adults over 50. Harmless but frequently mistaken for melanoma.
Risk factors
Fair skin, light eyes, red or blond hair (Fitzpatrick types I-II); History of blistering sunburns, especially before age 18; More than 50 ordinary moles on the body
Age over 50 (prevalence approaches 100% in elderly); Genetic predisposition (strong familial tendency); Sun exposure may play a role in some cases
Action needed
A new mole or spot that looks different from your other moles (the ugly duckling sign)
Only if you are unsure whether a growth is SK or melanoma

Melanoma

Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give your skin its color. While it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it causes most of skin cancer deaths. The good news: when detected at stage I, the five-year survival rate exceeds 99%.

Read full guide →

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.

Read full guide →

Does yours look more like melanoma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like melanoma? Answer 2 questions.

Has this spot changed in size, shape, or color recently?

Does it have multiple colors or irregular, blurred edges?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →