What are these asymptomatic, yellowish papules?

A 49-year-old man seeks evaluation of asymptomatic, yellowish papules on his forehead of several months’ duration. He is worried about skin cancer.

After allaying your patient’s fear of cancer, you suspect which of the following?

A. Actinic keratoses.
B. Seborrheic keratoses.
C. Sebaceous hyperplasia.
D. Milia.
E. Syringomas.

(Answer and discussion on next page)

ANSWER: Sebaceous hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia, C, is characterized by small, yellow papules on the face that result from benign hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands. Generally, affected persons have a history of oily skin as teenagers.

Actinic keratoses have a rough texture; seborrheic keratoses usually are pigmented and feature dilated keratin plugs. Milia are small, white inclusion cysts. Syringomas are sweat gland tumors that are typically found on the lower eyelids of women.