Derm: Keratoacanthoma: Free MSRA Podcast

🧑‍⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Keratoacanthoma: The Volcano Tumour You Can’t Ignore🎯 Rapid, high-yield revision of keratoacanthoma for your MSRA, with all the crucial links between KA and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).Key Learning Points🔍 Definition• Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a rapidly growing, dome-shaped skin lesion with a central keratin-filled crater—think “volcano tumour”.• Often resembles squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), but can regress spontaneously.💡 Causes & Risk Factors• Major: Chronic UV (sun) exposure, fair skin, older age, male sex• Others: Trauma, HPV infection, immunosuppression, genetic predisposition, prior skin cancers, occupational exposures (tar, pitch)• Remember: Risk factors mirror those for SCC!🧬 Pathophysiology• Abnormal proliferation of follicular keratinocytes (hair follicle origin)• Driven by UV damage, genetic mutations, and immune dysfunction• Classic course = rapid growth (weeks), plateau, then possible spontaneous regression🩺 Clinical Features• Firm, dome-shaped nodule with central keratin plug—volcano appearance• Rapid enlargement (over weeks)• Usually painless, sun-exposed sites: face, neck, hands, forearms• May regress, leaving a scar🧑‍⚕️ Differential Diagnosis• Squamous cell carcinoma (top)• Basal cell carcinoma• Actinic keratosis• Seborrhoeic keratosis• Molluscum contagiosum📝 Investigations• Biopsy is essential—excisional or deep incisional (not superficial shave)• Pathology confirms diagnosis and excludes invasive SCC🧑‍⚕️ ManagementSurgical excision (preferred): Ensures diagnosis, rules out SCC, and removes lesionMedical alternatives (if surgery unsuitable): – Systemic retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin) – Intralesional: methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, steroids – Topicals: imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil cream – Cryotherapy (sometimes)Prevention: Sun protection, skin surveillanceReferral: Dermatology/plastic surgery for diagnosis and management⚠️ Complications• Cosmetic scarring• Misdiagnosis as SCC (over or under-treatment)• Rarely, progression or transformation to SCC—regular follow-up needed• Persistent or recurrent lesions = red flag📈 Prognosis• Generally excellent—most regress after excision or even spontaneously• But: Always rule out SCC, as the risk is significant📎 More MSRA Revision for Keratoacanthoma:📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/keratoacanthoma-revision-notes/💬 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/keratoacanthoma-flashcards/🧠 Accordion Q&A: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/keratoacanthoma-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/keratoacanthoma-rapid-quiz/🧪 Full Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/keratoacanthoma/🎓 Dermatology Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/dermatology-for-the-msra/🌐 Explore more free & premium revision resources at:https://www.passthemsra.com#MSRA #Keratoacanthoma #DermatologyMSRA #VolcanoTumour #SquamousCellCarcinoma #SkinCancer #MSRARevision #PassTheMSRA #FreeMSRA