Ann Dermatol.  2011 Aug;23(3):357-361. 10.5021/ad.2011.23.3.357.

Treatment of Keratoacanthoma with 5% Imiquimod Cream and Review of the Previous Report

• Jeon HC
• Choi M
• Paik SH
• Ahn CH
• Park HS
• Cho KH

• KMID: 2171929
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.3.357

Abstract

Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a benign epidermal tumor, characterized by rapid and abundant growth, a tendency toward spontaneous regression and histopathologic similarity to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Because KA can be easily misdiagnosed as SCC, surgery is considered the treatment of choice. Recently, regression of KAs following application of 5% imiquimod cream (Aldara(R)) has been reported. We present 4 cases of KA treated with topical imiquimod, applied 3 to 4 times a week. Obvious improvement was observed after 4 to 6 weeks of application and the lesions were almost cleared leaving scars after 9 to 11 weeks. These results show that topical imiquimod can be an effective option for the conservative management of KA as previously reported. We also suggest that lesions treated with imiquimod cream should be considered for biopsy to judge histopathological remission after 5 to 8 weeks of application to shorten the duration of the treatment.

Keyword

Imiquimod; Keratoacanthoma

MeSH Terms

Aminoquinolines
Biopsy
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Cicatrix
Keratoacanthoma
Aminoquinolines

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) The lesion of case 1 on the left shoulder before therapy. (B) The lesion regressed completely after 11 weeks.

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  Fig. 2 (A) The lesion of case 2 before therapy. (B) The lesion regressed completely after 10 weeks.

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  Fig. 3 (A) The lesion of case 3 on the right cheek before therapy. (B) The lesion regressed completely after 13 weeks.

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  Fig. 4 (A) The lesion of case 4 before therapy. (B) The lesion regressed completely after 12 weeks.

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