Related Experiment Videos
Keratoacanthoma as a postoperative complication of skin cancer excision
Leonard H Goldberg1, Sirunya Silapunt, Kathleen K Beyrau
1DermSurgery Associates, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. Goldb1@dermsurgery.org
Background:
Keratoacanthomas usually occur spontaneously as a single rapidly growing tumor on sun-exposed skin. Multiple keratoacanthomas are rarely seen. Keratoacanthomas may also develop after trauma, laser resurfacing, radiation therapy, and at the donor site after skin grafting.
Objective:
We report 6 cases of keratoacanthomas that developed in and around healing and healed surgical sites after treatment of skin cancer. These tumors developed 1 to 3 months after surgery and were sometimes multiple.
Methods:
We performed follow-up examinations of patients' wounds after the treatment of skin cancer. Histological examination of nodules developing in the margins of healing wound sites and in the scars of healed wound sites after Mohs micrographic surgery revealed keratoacanthomas.
Results:
The tumors presented as a rapidly growing nodule or nodules, with the typical morphology and pathology of keratoacanthoma. One patient developed multiple keratoacanthomas at surgical and nonsurgical sites. These nodules were treated by a combination of excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, and oral isotretinoin, 4 mg/d.
Conclusion:
Keratoacanthoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a rapidly growing nodule within or around the surgical site after skin cancer surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Healing II: Complications
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...