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Keratoacanthoma

Andrew J. Richardson, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Most commonly presents as a solitary, rapidly proliferating, dome-shaped, erythematous or flesh-colored papule or nodule with a central keratinous plug, typically reaching 1 to 2 cm ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Lesion typically begins as a small, solitary, pink macule that undergoes a rapid growth phase, classically reaching a diameter of 1 to 2 cm, though size may vary.

  • Once the proliferativ...

TREATMENT

  • Treatment of choice is an excisional procedure plus electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C); however, there are several treatment options available (2)[C].

  • For aggressive tumors (>2 c...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

After the surgical site has healed or lesion has resolved, patient should be seen every 6 months due to increased risk of developing new lesions or skin cancers; ...

REFERENCES

1
Kwiek  B, Schwartz  RA. Keratoacanthoma (KA): an update and review. J Am Acad Dermatol.  2016; 74(6): 1220– 1233.  [View Abstract]
2
...

ADDITIONAL READING

SEE ALSO

Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Cutaneous 

CODES

ICD10

  • D23.9 Other benign neoplasm of skin, unspecified

  • D48.5 Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin

  • L85.8 Other specified epidermal thickening

SNOMED

  • 254662007 keratoacanthoma (disorder)

  • 417264005 ker...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Suspect KA with a solitary, dome-shaped, erythematous or flesh-colored papule or nodule with a central keratinous plug.

  • If KA is in the differential diagnosis, elicit time frame of onse...

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