Differential Diagnosis for a Flesh-Colored Lesion with Scaling and Rough Texture
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Seborrheic Keratosis: This is a common, benign skin growth that appears as a flesh-colored, raised lesion with a rough texture and scaling. It is often seen in middle-aged and older adults.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Actinic Keratosis: A precursor to squamous cell carcinoma, this lesion is also flesh-colored or slightly erythematous, with a rough, sandpapery texture, often found on sun-exposed areas.
- Keratoacanthoma: A low-grade, malignant lesion that resembles a volcano, often with a central crater and raised, flesh-colored edges, which can have a rough texture and scaling.
- Verruca Vulgaris (Common Wart): Caused by the human papillomavirus, these lesions can appear as flesh-colored, raised, and rough, sometimes with scaling, especially if they become hyperkeratotic.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Although less common than the above diagnoses, this malignant tumor can present similarly, especially if it is well-differentiated, with a rough, scaling surface. Missing this diagnosis could have serious consequences.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common form of skin cancer, which can occasionally present with a rough, scaling surface, especially the morpheaform or sclerodermiform types.
Rare Diagnoses
- Nevus Sebaceus: A congenital skin lesion that can appear as a flesh-colored, raised plaque with a rough texture, often on the scalp, which can have scaling, especially if it becomes irritated or inflamed.
- Trichoepithelioma: A rare, benign tumor of hair follicle origin, which can present as a flesh-colored, raised lesion with a rough texture and possible scaling, though this is less common.