title: Treatment of keratoacanthoma with 5% imiquimod cream and review of the previous report.
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®) 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.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Hye Chan
authors: HC
authors: Jeon
authors: Mira
authors: M
authors: Choi
authors: Seung Hwan
authors: SH
authors: Paik
authors: Chang Ho
authors: CH
authors: Ahn
authors: Hyun Sun
authors: HS
authors: Park
authors: Kwang Hyun
authors: KH
authors: Cho