Keratoacanthomas
Keratoacanthomas are round, firm, usually flesh-colored growths that have a central crater that is scaly or crusted.
Keratoacanthomas appear most commonly on the face, forearm, and back of the hand and grow quickly. In 1 or 2 months, they can grow into lumps up to 1 inch wide, after which they begin to shrink. They usually disappear within 6 months, often leaving a scar. They may be caused by a virus, but doctors are not sure.
Keratoacanthomas closely resemble squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer (see Section 18, Chapter 216), and some doctors believe that they may actually be an unusual form of squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, doctors often perform a biopsy, in which a piece of skin is removed and examined under a microscope. Keratoacanthomas can be cut out or scraped (curetted). Alternatively, they can be treated with injections of corticosteroids or fluorouracil.
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