A Successful Defect Closure After Total Excision of Seborrheic Keratoses with Atypical Clinical Presentation Using Island Pedicle Flap in an Elderly Patient

Abstract

Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are benign skin tumor characterized by well-demarcated and skin-colored to pigmented papules, plaques, or nodules with stuck-on appearance. Typical SKs are normally treated for cosmetic reasons. However, total excision and histopathological examination have to be considered in SK with unusual properties. The island pedicle flap (IPF) is a method of flap for defect closure, especially on the cheek. It has the capability to maintain the vascularization, thus it is also suitable in the elderly. We report a case of an SK with atypical clinical presentation in a 69-year-old female, with a solitary enlarging, hyperpigmented, verrucous, and bleeding tumor. The dermoscopic examination did not show characteristic features of SK. Total excision was performed due to its clinical properties. The histopathological examination revealed hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, hyperplasia, and papillomatosis, along with intercellular pseudo-horn cyst which confirmed the diagnosis of SK. The patient underwent total excision of the skin lesion which left a primary defect. We performed IPF procedure to reconstruct the defect after total excision of the skin lesion. After a year of follow-up, no meaningful complication was detected. The final result of the procedure was satisfying due to its ability to restore the natural contour and texture match by utilizing cheek laxity, without interfering the nasolabial fold. In conclusion, IPF is an appropriate method for defect closure in an elderly patient after facial total tumor excision.