Overview
Familial keratoacanthoma (also called familial keratoakanthoma or hereditary keratoacanthoma) is a rare inherited skin condition where a person develops multiple rapidly growing skin tumors called keratoacanthomas. These tumors usually look like firm, dome-shaped bumps with a central crater filled with keratin (a protein found in skin and nails). They most often appear on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, hands, and arms. Unlike most keratoacanthomas that occur in people with no family history, the familial form tends to cause many tumors over a person's lifetime, often starting in young adulthood. The tumors can grow quickly over a few weeks but may sometimes shrink on their own. However, because they can look very similar to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, they always need to be checked and often treated by a doctor. Treatment usually involves removing the tumors through surgery, laser therapy, or medications applied to the skin or taken by mouth. Regular skin check-ups are very important for people with this condition. While the tumors themselves are usually not life-threatening, managing multiple recurring growths can be challenging and requires ongoing medical care. Some forms of familial keratoacanthoma are linked to other health concerns, such as internal cancers, so a full medical evaluation is recommended.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Multiple firm, dome-shaped skin bumps with a central craterRapidly growing skin growths, often appearing over weeksGrowths mainly on sun-exposed skin like the face, hands, and armsSkin tumors that may occasionally shrink and disappear on their ownScarring after tumors heal or are removedRecurring new tumors appearing throughout lifeSkin growths that can be tender or painfulPossible growths on the lips or around the nails in some formsIn some related syndromes, internal organ tumors may also develop
Clinical phenotype terms (7)— hover any for plain English
Autosomal dominant
Passed on from just one parent; each child has about a 50% chance of inheriting it
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Familial keratoacanthoma.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Familial keratoacanthoma.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Familial keratoacanthoma.
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Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Which specific type of familial keratoacanthoma do I have, and does it increase my risk of internal cancers?,Should I have genetic testing, and what genes should be tested?,How often should I have my skin checked, and what warning signs should prompt an urgent visit?,Are oral retinoids a good option for me to reduce the number of new tumors?,Should my family members be tested or screened for this condition?,What sun protection measures are most important for me?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments I should know about?
Common questions about Familial keratoacanthoma
What is Familial keratoacanthoma?
Familial keratoacanthoma (also called familial keratoakanthoma or hereditary keratoacanthoma) is a rare inherited skin condition where a person develops multiple rapidly growing skin tumors called keratoacanthomas. These tumors usually look like firm, dome-shaped bumps with a central crater filled with keratin (a protein found in skin and nails). They most often appear on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, hands, and arms. Unlike most keratoacanthomas that occur in people with no family history, the familial form tends to cause many tumors over a person's lifetime, often startin
How is Familial keratoacanthoma inherited?
Familial keratoacanthoma follows a autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Familial keratoacanthoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Familial keratoacanthoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.