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Keratoacanthoma in All Ages
See also in: External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed Dermatology Online Journal

Keratoacanthoma in All Ages

See also in: External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp

Synopsis

Keratoacanthoma is a rapidly growing, well-differentiated neoplasm of squamous epithelium. Many consider keratoacanthomas to be a low-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In contrast to classic SCCs, keratoacanthomas typically appear and grow rapidly over a few weeks and spontaneously involute and resolve within 6 months, leaving an atrophic scar. They are most commonly seen in individuals aged 60 years and older with light skin colors and a history of prolonged sun exposure. Men are more commonly affected than women. Risk factors include UV radiation, human papillomavirus infection, immunosuppression, and certain medications. Patients on immunosuppressant medications tend to have more persistent and chronic keratoacanthomas.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L85.8 – Other specified epidermal thickening

SNOMEDCT:
254662007 – Keratoacanthoma

References

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Last Updated:03/29/2026
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Keratoacanthoma in All Ages
See also in: External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp
A medical illustration showing key findings of Keratoacanthoma
Clinical image of Keratoacanthoma - imageId=213569. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of a violaceous nodule with a central keratotic core.'
A close-up of a violaceous nodule with a central keratotic core.
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