The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Keratoacanthoma

Rapidly growing keratin-filled crateriform tumor with potential for spontaneous regression.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Keratoacanthoma?

Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a rapidly evolving epithelial tumor that classically progresses through three stages: rapid proliferative growth over 2-8 weeks, a stable mature phase of weeks to months, and spontaneous involution over 4-6 months leaving a depressed scar.

It typically presents on sun-exposed skin of older adults as a dome-shaped, flesh-colored to pink nodule with a central keratin-filled crater. Histologically, KA can be indistinguishable from well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma; therefore most clinicians treat KA as a low-grade SCC variant.

Multiple keratoacanthoma syndromes (Ferguson-Smith, Grzybowski, Muir-Torre) require systemic evaluation. Sporadic solitary KA is most common.

Symptoms

Rapid 2-8 week growth of dome-shaped nodule
Central keratin-filled crater
Flesh-colored to pink-red firm tumor
Sun-exposed face, hands, forearms
Pain or tenderness with size
Spontaneous regression with scar in some cases
Multiple lesions in inherited variants
Mucosal involvement in Ferguson-Smith syndrome

Risk Factors

Chronic sun exposure
Fair skin (Fitzpatrick I-II)
Older age (60-70 years)
Immunosuppression
BRAF inhibitor therapy (vemurafenib, dabrafenib)
Inherited keratoacanthoma syndromes
HPV infection
Trauma or chronic skin injury (Koebner)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Rapidly growing crateriform skin tumor
  • Solitary KA-like lesion in adult
  • Multiple keratoacanthomas
  • Mucosal lesions
  • Slow-resolving 'KA' beyond 6 months (suspect SCC)
  • Lesion during BRAF inhibitor therapy

Treatment Methods

01
Surgical excision with histopathologic confirmation
02
Mohs micrographic surgery for high-risk sites
03
Curettage and electrodessication for selected solitary lesions
04
Intralesional methotrexate or 5-fluorouracil
05
Topical 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod for superficial lesions
06
Oral acitretin for multiple inherited KAs
07
Photodynamic therapy in selected cases
08
Cancer surveillance for Muir-Torre and Ferguson-Smith variants

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dermatoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Dermatoloji

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease commonly seen especially in children, flaring with genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

Psoriasis

Dermatoloji

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which skin cells proliferate rapidly when the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin, leading to thick scaly lesions.

Acne

Dermatoloji

Acne is a skin disease resulting from clogging of hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells, commonly seen in adolescence but can occur at any age.

Rosacea

Dermatoloji

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory facial skin disease characterized by recurrent flushing, persistent erythema, telangiectasia, and inflammatory papules and pustules. Phymatous change and ocular involvement may complicate advanced disease.

Urticaria (Hives)

Dermatoloji

Urticaria is a skin condition with sudden pink-red wheals and intense itching that may follow an acute or chronic course.

Skin Fungal Infections

Dermatoloji

Skin fungal infections are common, contagious skin diseases caused by dermatophytes and yeast fungi colonizing the upper layers of the skin.

Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Dermatoloji

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss that can be genetic, hormonal, autoimmune, or nutritional; early intervention can slow progression.

Vitiligo

Dermatoloji

Vitiligo is an acquired autoimmune disease in which CD8+ T cells destroy melanocytes, producing well-demarcated depigmented patches. Early, sustained treatment can induce repigmentation and prevent progression; psychosocial impact warrants holistic care.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.