The keratoacanthoma is a fast growing benign skin tumor that is composed of squamous cells and has clinical and histopathological features similar to those of the squamous cell carcinoma, and may undergo spontaneous regression without any treatment. It mainly affects elderly and immunosuppressed males who have fair skin, occuring in body sites that have been chronically exposed to sunlight, such as the face, forearms and backs of hands. The differential diagnosis with squamous cell carcinoma is particularly important. The recommended treatment is its surgical excision. Other treatment modalities, such as cryotherapy, electrocoagulation and intralesional injection of chemotherapeutic agents, are also available.

Keywords: KERATOACANTHOMA; LASER THERAPY; SKIN.