Photodynamic therapy for keratoacanthoma on the upper lip.

Abstract 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.