Keratoacanthoma
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
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| Keratoacanthoma | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Rapidly growing skin lesion |
| Complications | |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Unknown, possibly related to sun exposure and human papillomavirus |
| Risks | Sun exposure, immunosuppression |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, pyogenic granuloma |
| Prevention | Sun protection |
| Treatment | Surgical excision, curettage and electrodessication, cryotherapy |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in older adults |
| Deaths | N/A |
Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a common low-grade (unlikely to metastasize or spread to other parts of the body) skin tumour that is derived from cells of the hair follicle. KAs are characterized by rapid growth over a few weeks to months, followed by spontaneous resolution over 4 to 6 months in most cases.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
Keratoacanthomas occur more frequently in light-skinned individuals, particularly those with a history of prolonged sun exposure. The incidence increases with age, and it is rare in children and uncommon in adults under 30 years.
Pathogenesis[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of keratoacanthoma is unknown, but it is believed to be associated with exposure to ultraviolet light. Other potential risk factors include immunosuppression, chemical carcinogens, and genetic predisposition.
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
Keratoacanthomas typically present as a solitary, rapidly growing, dome-shaped nodule with a central keratin-filled crater. They most commonly occur on sun-exposed areas of the body, particularly the face and hands.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of keratoacanthoma is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance and rapid growth of the lesion. Biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious conditions, such as squamous cell carcinoma.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment options for keratoacanthoma include surgical excision, cryotherapy, and topical chemotherapy. In some cases, no treatment is necessary as the lesion may resolve spontaneously.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for keratoacanthoma is generally good, as most lesions resolve spontaneously and rarely metastasize. However, recurrence is common, particularly in individuals with a history of multiple lesions.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
