A dome-shaped lesion that grows rapidly and is capped with keratin is most consistent with which diagnosis?

Study for the NPLEX II Minor Surgery Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, offering hints and explanations for each task. Master your exam confidently!

Multiple Choice

A dome-shaped lesion that grows rapidly and is capped with keratin is most consistent with which diagnosis?

Explanation:
Rapid growth with a central keratin-filled crater is the hallmark of keratoacanthoma. This lesion starts as a firm, dome-shaped nodule that enlarges quickly over weeks and develops a central plug of keratin, giving it that crater-like appearance. That rapid, cratered keratinization distinguishes it from other skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma is usually a slow-growing pearly nodule with telangiectasias; squamous cell carcinoma can be keratotic and crusted or ulcerated but typically doesn’t show the classic keratin plug in the early stages; melanoma presents with pigment changes and irregular borders rather than a keratin-filled crater. So the combination of rapid growth and a central keratin cap points to keratoacanthoma.

Rapid growth with a central keratin-filled crater is the hallmark of keratoacanthoma. This lesion starts as a firm, dome-shaped nodule that enlarges quickly over weeks and develops a central plug of keratin, giving it that crater-like appearance. That rapid, cratered keratinization distinguishes it from other skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma is usually a slow-growing pearly nodule with telangiectasias; squamous cell carcinoma can be keratotic and crusted or ulcerated but typically doesn’t show the classic keratin plug in the early stages; melanoma presents with pigment changes and irregular borders rather than a keratin-filled crater. So the combination of rapid growth and a central keratin cap points to keratoacanthoma.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy