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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.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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