Diagnosis of sebaceous gland hyperplasia

The diagnosis of sebaceous gland hyperplasia is made by the dermatologist. The first step is to inspect the skin. The physician looks closely at the changes in the skin.

For a better diagnosis he can use a dermatoscope, which serves as a kind of magnifying glass to enlarge the skin findings. In this way the surface of the sebaceous gland hyperplasia can be better assessed. As a rule, the diagnosis of sebaceous gland hyperplasia can already be made in this way.

Important developmental factors, such as seborrhoeic eczema or the intake of drugs that suppress the immune system, also help to make the diagnosis. Especially senile sebaceous gland hyperplasia can resemble white skin cancer, also called basal cell carcinoma or basalioma, in its appearance. In this case the skin change is removed and examined under the microscope. This is called histological examination. Typically, the glandular material of the sebaceous glands, as well as sebaceous and horny masses are revealed.

By which symptoms can sebaceous gland hyperplasia be recognized?

The sebaceous gland hyperplasia does not cause any complaints and is only a cosmetic problem. Presenile sebaceous gland hyperplasia is characterized by the grouped arrangement of several skin lesions, about 2-5 mm in size. These changes are slightly raised above the skin level and have a soft consistency.

They are also called papules. They have a yellowish-brown color and have a central dent in their center. The situation is similar with senile sebaceous gland hyperplasia.

Here, too, several sebaceous gland hyperplasias are usually present at the same time, but they can also occur individually. The surface of the sebaceous gland hyperplasia usually has a lobed or, more rarely, a bumpy structure and feels waxy.In both forms of sebaceous gland hyperplasia, the surrounding skin is usually characterized by a high production of sebum, also known as seborrhea. The skin typically feels oily.

This may be accompanied by the appearance of seborrheic dermatitis. This clinical picture is characterized by yellowish, oily scales and is usually accompanied by redness of the skin. Hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands is usually found on the face or chest. There are no accompanying symptoms such as itching or pain. This topic might also be of interest to you:

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