INTRALESIONAL METHOTREXATE FOR THE TREATMENT OF KERATOACANTHOMA: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Zeinab Hmedoush*, Roula Baddour and Jamal Khaddam

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Keratoacanthomas are rapidly growing cutaneous neoplasms known for their potential to spontaneously regress over time. Treatment can be challenging due to the potentially large field size and number of lesions. Intralesional methotrexate has proven to be an effective nonsurgical treatment for keratoacanthomas, as demonstrated by our experience. Methods: We treated 37 patients with keratoacanthoma using intralesional methotrexate. Injections were administered weekly, followed by 10 mg of folic acid taken 24 hours later. Results: Most patients experienced complete resolution of the lesions after 4 to 8 injections. Conclusion: Intralesional methotrexate is an effective and safe nonoperative treatment modality for keratoacanthoma, particularly in sensitive anatomical areas, areas difficult to treat with surgery, elderly debilitated patients, and those who refuse surgery.

Keywords: intralesional, keratoacanthoma, methotrexate, nonsurgical, treatment.