KERATOACANTHOMA OF THE UPPER LIP: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND REPORT OF CASE WITH CENTRAL UPPER LIP RECONSTRUCTION

Keratoakanthoma (KA) is a common non-melanoma skin tumor of sun-exposed skin. Recently it has been classified as a highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, based on the evidence of local destruction, tissue invasion and malignant transformation with metastatic spread described in the medical literature. Lower lip KA is not uncommon on lower lip, and quite rare on upper lip. The authors present a case of 78-year-old Caucasian male patient with a rapidly growing keratotic tumor of the central region of upper lip. After complete surgical excision, single-stage reconstruction of the defect was performed by modified Goldstein's bilateral advancement myocutaneous vermilion flap. The histologic examination confirmed KA with excision margins within healthy tissue. Healing was unremarkable and functional and esthetic outcomes were very good. KA of the upper lip is a rare tumor that warrants complete surgical excision. Reconstruction of the central part of the upper lip is a challenge, but bilateral advancement myocutaneous vermilion flap resulted in good outcome.