Keratoacanthoma versus Squamous-Cell Carcinoma: Histopathological Features and Molecular Markers

Considerable controversy exists within the field of dermatopathology in differentiating keratoacanthoma (KA) from squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC). KAs are rapidly growing, benign squamous tumors that are typically well differentiated. This controversy stems from the diverging perspectives on the manag...

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Main Authors: Hisham F. Bahmad, Kalin Stoyanov, Teresita Mendez, Sally Trinh, Kristy Terp, Linda Qian, John Alexis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Dermatopathology
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2296-3529/11/4/29
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author Hisham F. Bahmad
Kalin Stoyanov
Teresita Mendez
Sally Trinh
Kristy Terp
Linda Qian
John Alexis
author_facet Hisham F. Bahmad
Kalin Stoyanov
Teresita Mendez
Sally Trinh
Kristy Terp
Linda Qian
John Alexis
author_sort Hisham F. Bahmad
collection DOAJ
description Considerable controversy exists within the field of dermatopathology in differentiating keratoacanthoma (KA) from squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC). KAs are rapidly growing, benign squamous tumors that are typically well differentiated. This controversy stems from the diverging perspectives on the management, classification, and diagnosis of each entity. Many believe that KAs are benign neoplasms in which intervention may be unnecessary since they are self-limiting and resolve on their own. On the other hand, SCC needs to be treated, as it carries significant morbidity and mortality risks. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent serious consequences of SCC. Nevertheless, KAs may resemble SCC grossly and microscopically. Various ancillary tests, including immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, have been proposed to differentiate between these entities, though mixed patterns of expression can limit the diagnostic utility of these techniques. Research into this topic is ongoing, with newer genetic and molecular findings illuminating the previously difficult-to-understand aspects of KA and increasing our understanding of this entity. In this review, KA and SCC will be compared along the lines of histological features, genetic, immune, and molecular markers, differential diagnosis, and management to clarify the similarities, differences, and misconceptions about both entities.
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publishDate 2024-10-01
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spelling doaj-art-0bce1abba85b4fee80ed79498df704972025-08-20T02:55:56ZengMDPI AGDermatopathology2296-35292024-10-0111427228510.3390/dermatopathology11040029Keratoacanthoma versus Squamous-Cell Carcinoma: Histopathological Features and Molecular MarkersHisham F. Bahmad0Kalin Stoyanov1Teresita Mendez2Sally Trinh3Kristy Terp4Linda Qian5John Alexis6Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USAHerbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USAHerbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USAHerbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USAHerbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USAHerbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USAArkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USAConsiderable controversy exists within the field of dermatopathology in differentiating keratoacanthoma (KA) from squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC). KAs are rapidly growing, benign squamous tumors that are typically well differentiated. This controversy stems from the diverging perspectives on the management, classification, and diagnosis of each entity. Many believe that KAs are benign neoplasms in which intervention may be unnecessary since they are self-limiting and resolve on their own. On the other hand, SCC needs to be treated, as it carries significant morbidity and mortality risks. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent serious consequences of SCC. Nevertheless, KAs may resemble SCC grossly and microscopically. Various ancillary tests, including immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, have been proposed to differentiate between these entities, though mixed patterns of expression can limit the diagnostic utility of these techniques. Research into this topic is ongoing, with newer genetic and molecular findings illuminating the previously difficult-to-understand aspects of KA and increasing our understanding of this entity. In this review, KA and SCC will be compared along the lines of histological features, genetic, immune, and molecular markers, differential diagnosis, and management to clarify the similarities, differences, and misconceptions about both entities.https://www.mdpi.com/2296-3529/11/4/29keratoacanthomasquamous-cell carcinomamolecular pathwayspathologyhistology
spellingShingle Hisham F. Bahmad
Kalin Stoyanov
Teresita Mendez
Sally Trinh
Kristy Terp
Linda Qian
John Alexis
Keratoacanthoma versus Squamous-Cell Carcinoma: Histopathological Features and Molecular Markers
Dermatopathology
keratoacanthoma
squamous-cell carcinoma
molecular pathways
pathology
histology
title Keratoacanthoma versus Squamous-Cell Carcinoma: Histopathological Features and Molecular Markers
title_full Keratoacanthoma versus Squamous-Cell Carcinoma: Histopathological Features and Molecular Markers
title_fullStr Keratoacanthoma versus Squamous-Cell Carcinoma: Histopathological Features and Molecular Markers
title_full_unstemmed Keratoacanthoma versus Squamous-Cell Carcinoma: Histopathological Features and Molecular Markers
title_short Keratoacanthoma versus Squamous-Cell Carcinoma: Histopathological Features and Molecular Markers
title_sort keratoacanthoma versus squamous cell carcinoma histopathological features and molecular markers
topic keratoacanthoma
squamous-cell carcinoma
molecular pathways
pathology
histology
url https://www.mdpi.com/2296-3529/11/4/29
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