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Abortive keratoacanthoma: a hitherto unrecognised variant
David Weedon1, David Brooks, Jonathan Malo
1Skin Laboratory, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Taringa, Brisbane, Australia. d_weedon@snp.com.au
Pathology
|November 18, 2010
Summary
Abortive keratoacanthoma (KA) is a recently recognized variant characterized by rapid growth and early lichenoid regression. Understanding its distinct histological features is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis as squamous cell carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a common skin tumor.
- A recently identified variant, abortive KA, presents unique histological challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histological characteristics of abortive keratoacanthoma.
- To differentiate abortive KA from other skin lesions, particularly squamous cell carcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Keyword search of pathology database for keratoacanthomas.
- Histological subtyping of identified cases based on age.
Main Results:
- Identified 3465 KAs over 14 months; 16.8% were abortive type.
- Abortive KAs exhibit rapid growth followed by early lichenoid regression.
- Lichenoid changes extend beyond the lesion borders.
Conclusions:
- Abortive KA is a distinct, previously unrecognized variant of KA.
- Distinct histological features may lead to misdiagnosis as squamous cell carcinoma.
- Lichenoid regression, not terminal differentiation, drives involution.
