Is keratoacanthoma squamous cell carcinoma?

Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a relatively common low-grade tumor that originates in the pilosebaceous glands and closely resembles squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In fact, strong arguments support classifying keratoacanthoma as a variant of invasive SCC.

What is Grzybowski syndrome?

Generalised eruptive keratoacanthomas (Grzybowski syndrome) refers to a very rare disease in which hundreds of keratoacanthoma-like papules appear.

Can keratoacanthoma be malignant?

Keratoacanthoma is generally considered to be a benign cutaneous lesion with initial rapid growth and spontaneous involution over several months. It is not generally appreciated that the keratoacanthoma may have a malignant potential or be associated with carcinoma.

Can keratoacanthoma fall off?

The skin lesion takes about 2-12 months to heal completely. The exact period may differ from person to person. As the healing progresses, the edges of the dome-shaped growth will begin to flatten out. The core of keratin will begin to peel and eventually fall off.

What does Keratoacanthoma look like?

It looks like a small, red or skin-colored volcano — there’s a distinctive crater at the top of the lump that often has keratin, or dead skin cells, inside. You’ll usually see keratoacanthoma on skin that’s been exposed to the sun, like your head, neck, arms, the backs of your hands, and sometimes your legs.

How do you get rid of keratoacanthoma?

The most common treatment is surgery to remove the keratoacanthoma….They can:

  1. Scrape off the tumor and seal up the wound.
  2. Apply liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the tumor.
  3. Cut the tumor out and use stitches to close the area.

Can you squeeze a keratoacanthoma?

Keratoacanthoma may start at the site of a minor injury to sun-damaged and hair-bearing skin. At first, it may appear as a small pimple or boil and may be squeezed but is found to have a solid core filled with keratin (scale).

How quickly should a keratoacanthoma be removed?

It’s not unusual for a single keratoacanthoma to shrink and disappear on its own after several months. But it may leave a worse scar than one from surgery. It could also come back, so it’s best to get it removed.