Keratoacanthoma
What is
it?
A
keratoacanthoma is a skin growth that is round and
firm, like a pimple, but has a solid center made up of
keratin. Keratin is a protein found in human hair and
nails.
Who gets
it?
Anyone can
develop a keratoacanthoma, but they are more common in
people who have a history of sun exposure.
What
causes it?
A
keratoacanthoma occurs when cells in a hair follicle
grow abnormally. This growth seems to be triggered by
a minor injury to the skin, such as a bump or scrape,
in an area that had past sun damage.
What are
the symptoms?
Keratoacanthomas begin as small pimple-like bumps on
the skin. The center of the growth is crater-like and
solid. However, keratoacanthomas grow very quickly,
and can be over 2.5 cm (1 in.) wide within one to two
months. Keratoacanthomas usually appear on areas of
the skin that are most exposed to the sun, such as the
back of the hand, the forearm, and the face. They
usually shrink within six months, which pushes out the
center plug of keratin and may leave behind a
depressed scar.
How is it
diagnosed?
To diagnose
a keratoacanthoma, your doctor will study your medical
history, perform a skin examination, and take a small
sample of the growth, called a biopsy, to examine
under a microscope. Keratoacanthomas very closely
resemble certain types of skin cancer, such as basal
or squamous cell carcinoma, so it is very important to
have these growths examined by a skincare specialist.
What is
the treatment?
Keratoacanthomas are treated by removing the growth.
This can be done through a procedure called
cryotherapy, in which the growth is frozen with liquid
nitrogen, causing it to eventually dry up and form a
scab. Or, it can be removed by numbing the area, then
cutting the growth out or scraping it off (curettage).
Any remaining keratoacanthoma tissue is destroyed with
an instrument that sears (cauterizes) it. The scar
that remains is usually less unsightly than if the
growth were allowed to go away on its own.
Keratoacanthomas can also be treated with injections
of corticosteroids.
Self-care
tips
Most
keratoacanthomas heal without the need for further
treatment. Skin growths should always be checked by a
doctor because of the possibility of skin cancer. You
can help prevent skin growths, such as
keratoacanthomas, by protecting your skin from the
damaging rays of the sun. Wear light, skin protecting
clothing and use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection
Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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