Histopathologists' approach to keratoacanthoma: a multisite survey of regional variation in Great Britain and Ireland.
BACKGROUND
This survey examines regional variation in the diagnosis of keratoacanthoma (KA).


METHODS
Twenty-three departments from Great Britain and Ireland were invited. The number of cases coded as KA or cutaneous SCC in the previous 12 months was retrieved. An SCC: KA ratio was calculated. Participants also provided free text responses.


RESULTS
Seventeen departments replied. A total of 11,718 cases were included with a breakdown of 998 KA and 10,720 SCC. The mean SCC:KA ratio was 10.7:1, range (2.5:1 to 139:1). Free text responses are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
An extreme variation in approach is highlighted by this survey. We believe a multidisciplinary team approach to the diagnosis of KA is essential. There seems to be a need for a carefully considered clinicopathological study, backed up by molecular studies, to better understand the natural biology of this diagnosis.
Department of Histopathology, Warwick Hospital, Warwick, UK.
Richard A
RA
Carr
Centre for Medical Education, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
Joseph P
JP
Houghton
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D007636:Keratoacanthoma / Q000473:pathology*; D010336:Pathology / Q000592:standards*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D006113:United Kingdom
Dermatopathology; DiagnosiS; Skin Tumours