Keratoacanthomas are thought to be a type of squamous cell skin cancer. They typically have a crater-like appearance with a slightly elevated lesion and a thick crust. Keratoacanthomas often have a thick layer of scale. Typical to keratoacanthomas, this lesion is red and inflamed at the base. This image displays a cup-like shape with a thick "plug" of scaly skin typical of keratoacanthomas. This image displays a keratoacanthoma on an elbow. This image displays a close-up of a keratoacanthoma. This image displays a keratoacanthoma, a form of skin cancer, that needs a biopsy by a dermatologist and full removal. A keratoacanthoma appears on sun-damaged skin and typically has a red, firm base and central crust-like “plug.” This image displays a typical keratoacanthoma in front of the top of the ear. This image displays a lesion with a thick, scaly crust typical of keratoacanthoma. This image displays a keratoacanthoma on the lip. This image displays a keratoacanthoma.
Top Background Graphic
About Us | Contact Us | Site Map
Text Size SmallText Size MediumText Size Large
VisualDxHealth - Your guide to a clear picture of health
Health ToolsHealth TopicsDisease ListWidgetsFor Doctors

Keratoacanthoma:
Information for adults

Left Nav Bottom
Try our Disease Finder
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Picture of Keratoacanthoma: Keratoacanthomas are thought to be a type of squamous cell skin cancer. They typically have a crater-like appearance with a slightly elevated lesion and a thick crust. Divider line
Keratoacanthomas are thought to be a type of squamous cell skin cancer. They typically have a crater-like appearance with a slightly elevated lesion and a thick crust.
left arrow
right arrow
Who's At Risk
Keratoacanthoma is most commonly seen in elderly, light-skinned people with a history of sun exposure.

Risk factors for the development of keratoacanthoma include:
  • Age over 50
  • Fair skin, light hair, or light eyes
  • Male
  • Chronic exposure to sunlight or other ultraviolet light
  • Exposure to certain chemicals, such as tar
  • Exposure to radiation, such as X-ray treatment for internal cancers
  • Long-term suppression of the immune system, such as organ transplant recipients
  • Long-term presence of scars, such as from a gasoline burn
  • Chronic ulcers
  • Presence of particular strains of the wart virus (human papillomavirus)
  • Previous skin cancer
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

Prev: Overview
Next: Signs and Symptoms

HON CODE Seal. Accredited 3/2007
We comply with HONcode standards
for health information
verify here

Copyright © 2006-2008 Logical Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

The data contained in the VisualDxHealth™ Worldwide Web pages such as text, images, and graphics are for informational purposes only. The data is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment. Please see our disclaimer.