How effective is surgical excision for keratoacanthoma?

Keratoacanthoma can grow quickly and may resemble squamous cell carcinoma. Removing the lump lets a clinician send the whole specimen for histopathology, which helps confirm what it is. A planned margin of surrounding skin may be taken because cells can extend beyond the visible centre. The wound may be closed with stitches or managed with another repair, depending on its size and location.

Excision usually addresses one defined lesion. It does not explain why another growth might appear elsewhere, and a scar remains possible. The laboratory report may change whether further treatment or a wider procedure is advised.

Arrange a skin examination before treatment and tell the clinician about medicines that affect bleeding, allergies, immune conditions and previous problems with local anaesthetic. Follow the wound-care instructions, keep the dressing as advised and avoid stretching the area while it closes. Attend the planned appointment for stitch removal or review of the pathology report.

Do not judge success only by how the wound looks in the first days. Ask when the report is expected, whether the edges are clear, and whether the site needs monitoring. More details are available in [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/).

Contact the treating clinic if bleeding does not settle with firm, continuous pressure, the wound opens, pain increases rather than eases, or redness spreads. Fever, pus, marked swelling or a bad smell can indicate infection. Seek prompt assessment for a new rapidly enlarging, tender or bleeding lump, especially if the pathology result has not yet been discussed.

Ask: Does the appearance fit keratoacanthoma, or is another diagnosis possible? How much surrounding skin do you plan to remove? Will the specimen be examined in a laboratory? When will I receive the result, and what happens if the edges contain abnormal cells? What scar care and follow-up will this site need?