Information on Keratoacanthoma

Keratoacanthoma to be a less grave type of squamous cell carcinoma. Most keratoacanthoma result only minimal skin destruction, but some perform more belligerently and can spread to lymph nodes.  KA is a rapidly growing growth on the skin that expands from 1-2mm to 1-3cm over a few weeks, and develops into a smooth dome-shaped growth with a central keratin core. It is more common with individuals having an increased degree of sun exposure and is often found at sites of previous injury or trauma.

It seems that keratoacanthomas occur from a single hair follicle as they are only seen on hair-bearing skin, not on the palms. A small injury seems to be necessary to cause off a keratoacanthoma but this is frequently either not apparent or unremembered by the patient. Cells begin multiplying in the hair follicle and the cell mass grows into a keratoacanthoma. It is not associated with internal malignancy, except in rare instances where multiple keratoacanthomas are related with a disease process called Muir-Torre syndrome. Males are more often affected than females. KA is less common in darker-skinned individuals.

Some keratoacanthomas appear to be related to infection with human papilloma virus, the cause of warts. Dealing of Keratoacanthoma is primarily surgical. Systemic retinoids, such as isotretinoin, are a consideration for patients with lesions too numerous for surgical intervention. Systemic retinoids, such as isotretinoin, are a consideration for patients with lesions too numerous for surgical intervention. Keratoacanthomas are radiosensitive and respond well to low doses of radiation. If a keratoacanthoma is small it may be treated by freezing with liquid nitrogen with a spray or on a cotton wool swab.

Radiation therapy may be helpful in selected patients with large tumors when resection will consequence in cosmetic deformity. Laser therapy and cryotherapy have been used successfully in little keratoacanthomas. Another treatment that has also been helpful is the use of 5-fluorouracil injections. These injections are given at the site of the skin growth. Most keratoacanthomas cure without the need for further treatment. 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.