Keratoacanthoma – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments

Keratoacanthoma – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments of this condition. Also, keratoacanthoma (KA) is a low-grade or slow-growing skin cancer tumor that looks like a small dome or crater. Keratoacanthoma is benign despite its similarities to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or the abnormal growth of cancer cells in the outermost layer of the skin . KA originates in the hair follicles of the skin and rarely spreads to other cells.

Keratoacanthoma is typically found on sun-exposed skin, such as the skin on the:

• Guy
• Neck
• Hands
• Arms
• Legs

Treatments usually involve surgery, radiation therapy, or injections. Many doctors will recommend surgery to remove Keratoacanthoma because it looks similar to cancerous SCC. While untreated KA will eventually heal on its own, untreated SCC can spread to your lymph nodes.

Overall, the outlook for Keratoacanthoma is good as it is a benign tumor .

Keratoacanthoma Symptoms: The symptoms of Keratoacanthoma are visual and last for two to three months. First, Keratoacanthoma appears as a small, round bump. It then grows into a lesion or wound and reaches a size between 1 and 2 centimeters within a few weeks. The wound looks like a dome with a plug made of brown keratin, which is the same material as hair and skin .

If the brown keratin comes out, the KA will look like a crater. When it heals, it will flatten and leave a scar .

Who Is At Risk for Keratoacanthoma : The development of KA before age 20 is rare. People who are most at risk of developing KA are people who:

• Has prolonged exposure to the sun;
• Has naturally fair skin;
• Compromised the immune system ;
• Frequently use a tanning bed;
• Is over 60 years old;
• Men are also at greater risk than women.

Genetics can also be a factor. People with immediate family members who have had some form of skin cancer are at increased risk of developing multiple keratoacanthoma . One study also reported spontaneous growth of KA two to three months after skin cancer surgery.

Keratoacanthoma Treatment: Treatment options depend on the location of the lesion, the patient’s health history, and the size of the lesion. The most common treatment is minor surgery, under local anesthesia, to remove the tumor. This may require points, depending on the size of the Keratoacanthoma .

Other treatments include:

• If you have cryosurgery, your doctor will freeze the lesion with liquid nitrogen to destroy it.
• If you have electrodissection and curettage, your doctor will eliminate or burn the growth.
• If you have Mohs microscopic surgery, your doctor will continue to take small pieces of skin until the lesion is completely removed.
• This treatment is mostly used on the ears, nose, hands and lips.
• Doctors use radiation treatment and X-ray therapy for people who are unable to have a surgical procedure for other health reasons.

Medications: Medications are used if you are not considered a good candidate for surgery. Doctors can prescribe medication for people with numerous injuries.

These medications can reduce the size and number of lesions, making removal treatments or surgery easier and less invasive. They are not a substitute for actual surgery or other removal treatments. Ask your doctor about any side effects these medications can cause