Keratoacanthoma Workup

  • Author: Tsu-Yi Chuang, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 18, 2011
 

Procedures

One component of establishing the diagnosis of keratoacanthoma (KA) is tissue examination for histopathology. Shave biopsy results from a keratoacanthoma are indistinguishable from invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); therefore, excisional or deep incisional biopsy of the lesion is preferred.

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Histologic Findings

Keratoacanthomas (KAs) are composed of singularly well-differentiated squamous epithelium that show only a mild degree of pleomorphism and likely form masses of keratin that constitute the central core of keratoacanthoma.

Pseudocarcinomatous infiltration in keratoacanthoma typically presents a smooth, regular, well-demarcated front that does not extend beyond the level of the sweat glands.

The term SCC-KA type has been introduced for otherwise classic keratoacanthomas that reveal a peripheral zone formed by squamous cells with atypical mitotic figures, hyperchromatic nuclei, and loss of polarity to some degree. These marginal cells also may penetrate into surrounding tissue in a more aggressive pattern.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Tsu-Yi Chuang, MD, MPH  Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California; Staff Dermatologist, Desert Oasis Healthcare

Tsu-Yi Chuang, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and International Society of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Ryan Brashear, MD  Staff Physician, Department of Dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine

Ryan Brashear, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Susan M Swetter, MD  Director, Pigmented Lesion and Melanoma Program, Professor, Department of Dermatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System

Susan M Swetter, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, Pacific Dermatologic Association, Society for Investigative Dermatology, Society for Melanoma Research, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

John G Albertini, MD  Consulting Staff, Dermatologic Surgery, The Skin Surgery Center; Program Director, ACGME Accredited Fellowship in Procedural Dermatology

John G Albertini, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Keratoacanthoma (squamous cell carcinoma-keratoacanthoma or SCC-KA type) on inner canthus.
Keratoacanthoma of the left forehead.
Close-up view of the keratoacanthoma.
Keratoacanthoma lesion (squamous cell carcinoma-keratoacanthoma or SCC-KA type).
 
 
 
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