Photodynamic therapy for keratoacanthoma on the upper lip.

BACKGROUND

Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a cutaneous neoplasm, which is similar to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) clinically, cytologically, and histopathologically. Surgical resection is the first choice for treating KA, but it may be impractical when a KA is located in a cosmetically sensitive area.

OBSERVATION: We describe a patient with a nodule on the right upper lip. We performed a surgical biopsy to obtain a histopathological diagnosis. Specimen analysis revealed a diagnosis of KA. As the tumor was located in the upper lip, a direct resection may require a flap to reconstruct the lip shape; instead, a noninvasive field approach using photodynamic therapy (PDT) was initiated. After five sessions of treatment, the lesion disappeared, and there was no scar.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is no consensus on using PDT to treat KA, we provide a case report on the effective use of PDT in the treatment of KAs. PDT can be an alternative treatment option when KA is located in a particular anatomic site.