Introduction: 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.
Discussions: 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.
Keywords: Dermatopathology; DiagnosiS; Skin Tumours.
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