Keratoacanthoma

A keratoacanthoma is a rapidly growing skin lesion that often appears as a dome shaped nodule with a central keratin filled crater. Although keratoacanthomas can eventually regress, they are difficult to distinguish from squamous cell carcinoma, so treatment is usually the same.

Typical appearance

• Rapid growth over a few weeks
• Dome shaped lump often with a central plug
• Most commonly on sun exposed skin

Because keratoacanthomas mimic SCC both clinically and under the microscope, they are treated as potentially malignant.

Treatment

• Complete excision biopsy is recommended
• Histological analysis confirms the diagnosis

If you notice a fast growing lump on sun exposed skin, please contact us via the contact page.