What follow-up care is necessary for patients treated for keratoacanthoma to monitor for recurrence?

Follow-up care for patients treated for keratoacanthoma should include regular clinical examination of the treated site and surrounding skin to monitor for recurrence or new lesions. Keratoacanthoma is a low-grade skin tumour that can resemble squamous cell carcinoma, and recurrence or new primary lesions can occur, so clinical vigilance is important.

Patients should be advised on self-examination and sun protection measures to reduce risk of further skin lesions. Follow-up intervals are not explicitly defined in UK melanoma or skin cancer guidelines but should be personalised based on individual risk factors such as lesion size, histological features, and patient history.

Referral to or follow-up by a healthcare professional with expertise in skin cancer examination, including use of dermoscopy, is recommended to detect recurrence early. If recurrence or suspicious lesions are identified, prompt biopsy and management are necessary.

There is no routine imaging or blood test follow-up recommended specifically for keratoacanthoma after treatment.