What to expect from curettage and cautery for keratoacanthoma

A keratoacanthoma is a fast-growing, firm skin lump with a central keratin plug. Because it can resemble or be related to a form of skin cancer, diagnosis and treatment planning should be handled by a qualified clinician. With local anaesthetic in place, curettage removes the visible lesion and cautery treats the base and controls bleeding. The removed tissue may be sent for laboratory assessment when the clinician considers that appropriate.

Keep the wound covered and clean according to the instructions you receive. Avoid soaking, friction and picking at the healing surface. Take medicines only as directed, and tell the clinic about treatments that affect bleeding or healing. Attend the planned review even if the area appears settled; examination of the wound and any laboratory result helps determine whether further care is needed. Protect the site from sun once it has healed.

Get prompt advice for bleeding that continues despite pressure, worsening pain, spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus or fever. Contact the specialist if a firm lump, crust or ulcer seems to reappear at the treated site. A new fast-growing or bleeding skin lesion elsewhere also deserves assessment rather than self-treatment.

Ask whether tissue will be examined, how the result will be communicated, and what the scar may look like. Confirm dressing changes, activity limits, review timing and what would lead to another procedure.