Does curettage and cautery treat keratoacanthoma?

A keratoacanthoma is a rapidly growing, firm skin lump that may have a central keratin-filled plug. Its appearance can overlap with squamous cell carcinoma, so a clinician may recommend examination and tissue sampling before deciding on removal. Curettage removes tissue by scraping, while cautery uses controlled heat on the treated area. Whether this approach is appropriate depends on the lesion's size, depth, location, borders, and the clinical diagnosis.

Treatment is not a reason to watch a suspicious lump at home. A fast-growing lesion can need timely review even when it is not painful.

Book a prompt dermatology assessment for a new fast-growing lump, particularly on sun-exposed skin. Do not squeeze, scrape, or cover it with home remedies. Bring a list of medicines and mention medicines or conditions that affect bleeding or healing. Follow the clinician's wound-care instructions after any procedure and protect the healing site from sun exposure.

Seek prompt care for a lump that grows quickly, bleeds, forms an open sore, becomes increasingly painful, or develops marked redness or drainage. After treatment, contact the clinic for worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, or bleeding that does not settle with the advised pressure.

Ask whether the lesion needs a biopsy, what diagnosis is being considered, why curettage and cautery is suitable or unsuitable, and how the tissue will be checked if removed. Ask about scarring, follow-up, and what change should trigger an earlier review.