Understanding Acanthomas: Causes, Appearance, and Treatment Options

Acanthoma is a benign epithelial tumor that usually occurs on the sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, and hands. It is also known as an acanthomatous keratosis or a benign acanthoma.

Acanthomas are small, firm, and usually pink or flesh-colored nodules that can range in size from a pinpoint to a pea-sized lesion. They may be flat or raised, and they often have a rough, sandpapery texture. They can appear alone or in groups, and they may be accompanied by other skin conditions such as actinic keratoses or seborrheic keratoses.

Acanthomas are thought to be caused by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage the skin's DNA and lead to abnormal cell growth. They are usually not cancerous, but they can sometimes progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, if left untreated.

Treatment for acanthomas usually involves removing the lesions with a scalpel or laser. In some cases, topical creams or ointments may be used to lighten or remove the lesions. It is important to monitor any changes in the lesions and seek medical attention if they become larger, darker, or more numerous, as these can be signs of progression to squamous cell carcinoma.