Keratoacanthoma
Keratoacanthoma is a rapidly growing skin tumor that typically develops within a few weeks and usually appears on sun-exposed areas. The growth is characterized by a dome-shaped nodule with a central keratin-filled crater. Keratoacanthoma is currently considered a low-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Although some cases may regress spontaneously, the accepted medical approach is to surgically remove the tumor due to its histological similarity to SCC and the risk of invasive behavior. In Israel, due to high UV levels, keratoacanthoma is particularly common in fair-skinned individuals and in people over the age of 50.
Symptoms
- Dome-shaped lump that grows rapidly within a few weeks
- Central crater filled with keratin (horn-like material)
- Appears mainly on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, and arms
- Skin-colored, reddish, or pinkish in tone
- May be tender to the touch but is usually painless
Treatment Options
- Surgical excision for complete removal and histological examination
- Mohs micrographic surgery for cosmetically sensitive areas
- Curettage and electrodesiccation for small lesions
- Intralesional methotrexate or 5-FU injection in selected cases
- Close follow-up to detect recurrence
Why Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is recommended for keratoacanthoma in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, ears, and lips, where preserving healthy tissue is important. The advantage of Mohs surgery is complete real-time margin control, ensuring full tumor removal with maximum tissue preservation.
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Read more →This medical content was reviewed and verified by Dr. Yehonatan Kaplan on April 8, 2026