Keratoacanthoma is a raised skin tumor that appears in a dome-like shape. While it may closely resemble a pimple, it is actually more serious as it could be a precursor to cancer. Can keratoacanthoma spread, and is it malignant? We’re exploring these answers as well as keratoacanthoma squamous cell carcinoma treatment in this overview. 

Is a Keratoacanthoma Malignant? 

Keratoacanthoma is identified as an almost volcano-shaped lesion with a slight depression at its center that contains dead skin cells. It’s typically red in color and small to start, but can grow rapidly, doubling in size over the course of months. Keratoacanthoma may begin in a hair follicle and appear anywhere that sees excessive sun exposure, including the:

• Head
• Face
• Neck
• Hands

Keratoacanthoma is considered a metaplasia or premalignant condition, meaning that it has not yet developed into cancer but has the potential to do so. Due to the quick growth of this particular skin tumor, its makeup can change dramatically in a short period of time. It can go away on its own, but for some patients, a keratoacanthoma lesion can develop into squamous cell skin cancer, which is the second most common type of skin cancer. 

Can Keratoacanthoma Spread? 

Yes, keratoacanthoma can spread if left undetected or untreated. While the original tumor may shrink and disappear, it’s not uncommon for another to develop down the line, opening the opportunity for it to spread to other parts of the body. 

One of the bigger differences between squamous and basal cell skin cancers is that squamous cell carcinoma is much more likely to spread. Even though keratoacanthoma is not cancer, it’s best to have these lesions removed as soon as they are found to limit risk. 

Keratoacanthoma is most common for white males over the age of 60 or those who experience overexposure to UV rays. 

Keratoacanthoma and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment

Should you be diagnosed with either keratoacanthoma or squamous cell skin cancer, treatment options range between various levels of surgery and radiation. ImageGuided Superficial Radiotherapy, or Image-Guided SRT, is the least invasive keratoacanthoma and squamous cell skin cancer treatment, as it effectively destroys the diseased cells without cutting or surgical scarring. Your symptoms will help determine which treatment method will be most effective for you. 

Image-Guided  Can Treat Squamous Cell Skin Cancer 

To learn more about how Image-Guided SRT  works and whether or not it’s right for your common skin cancer diagnosis, call our skin cancer information specialists at 312-456-7890. We’re here to answer your questions and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.