MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Keratoacanthoma

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

Keratoacanthoma

Keratoacanthomas are rapidly growing, red (erythematous), dome shaped bumps (papules/nodules) with central craters. Occasionally, these will disappear spontaneously (involute). Often, they are treated to avoid further involvement or destruction of underlying tissue. They are of concern because of the similarity to squamous cell cancer.

Update Date: 1/22/2008

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.