Agnes Kolmodin, Nirmala P. Pandeya, Catherine M. Olsen, Jean Claude Dusingize, David C. Whiteman, Magdalena Claeson
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3824

Keratoacanthomas are common keratinocyte skin tumours. However, there is little community-based data published on the clinical features of keratoacanthoma. The aim of this study was to describe the patient and tumour characteristics of keratoacanthomas, as well as their treatment patterns. Data were obtained from the QSkin Sun and Health study, a prospective cohort of 40,438 randomly sampled and consented participants aged 40–69 years in Queensland, Australia. In 2010, a baseline survey collected data, including demography, phenotype, ultraviolet radiation exposure, medical history and lifestyle. Histopathological reports of keratoacanthomas arising until 30 June 2014 were reviewed. In total, 584 participants developed 738 keratoacanthomas; 18% of participants developed multiple tumours. Common patient characteristics were male sex (58%), age ≥60 years (76%), fair skin (80%), and previous history of actinic keratoses/keratinocyte cancers (89%). Keratoacanthomas were commonly located on the legs/feet (48%), and rarely on the the head/neck (7%). Excision was the most frequently used surgical method (71%) Evidence of histopathological regression was reported in 67% of keratoacanthomas, suggesting a potential for spontan­eous resolution in a significant proportion of keratoacanthomas.

This study on the common skin tumour keratoacanthoma presents findings from a prospective cohort of 40,438 people from Queensland, Australia. Data on 584 people, who developed 738 keratoacanthomas, were collected from a self-reported survey and from pathology records. People with keratoacanthoma were more commonly men, aged ≥ 60 years, had fair skin, with a history of other skin cancers. Several participants developed multiple keratoacanthomas. In contrast to most previous studies, it was found that keratoacanthomas were commonly located on the legs/feet, and rarely located on the head/neck. Keratoacanthomas frequently showed histo­pathological signs of regression, suggesting that they may have potentially resolved spontaneously if left untreated.