KERATOACANTHOMA Meaning and
Definition
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Keratoacanthoma is a benign (non-cancerous) skin tumor that typically arises on sun-exposed areas of the body. It usually presents as a raised, dome-shaped nodule with a central crater or plug of keratin-filled material. The term "keratoacanthoma" derives from the Greek words "kerato" meaning horn and "akanthos" meaning thorn, referring to its characteristic appearance.
This skin lesion is typically self-limiting, meaning it tends to resolve on its own within a few months. Keratoacanthomas are more common in middle-aged to older individuals and are often linked to excessive sun exposure. They can be seen in individuals of all skin types but occur more frequently in fair-skinned individuals.
The exact cause of keratoacanthoma is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the hair follicles or the cells that produce the hair and skin. Some studies suggest that the development of keratoacanthoma may be associated with a previous injury, sunburn, or immune system dysfunction.
Clinically, keratoacanthomas can resemble squamous cell carcinoma, a more aggressive form of skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to differentiate between the two, often requiring a biopsy for confirmation.
Treatment options for keratoacanthoma include observation (if the lesion is small and asymptomatic), surgical excision, cryotherapy (freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen), or topical chemotherapy. Regular follow-up is advised even after successful treatment, as recurrent lesions can occur.
Common Misspellings for KERATOACANTHOMA
- jeratoacanthoma
- meratoacanthoma
- leratoacanthoma
- oeratoacanthoma
- ieratoacanthoma
- kwratoacanthoma
- ksratoacanthoma
- kdratoacanthoma
- krratoacanthoma
- k4ratoacanthoma
- k3ratoacanthoma
- keeatoacanthoma
- kedatoacanthoma
- kefatoacanthoma
- ketatoacanthoma
- ke5atoacanthoma
- ke4atoacanthoma
- kerztoacanthoma
- kerstoacanthoma
Etymology of KERATOACANTHOMA
The word "keratoacanthoma" is derived from two Greek words: "kerato" (κερατός) meaning "horn-like" or "hard" and "acanthoma" (ἄκανθος) meaning "spiny" or "thorn-like". "Keratoacanthoma" is a medical term used to describe a benign skin tumor that typically appears as a dome-shaped nodule with a central depression and a thick, keratin-filled plug.
