management
Last reviewed 01/2018
If left untreated the tumour will resolve spontaneously. However, it is usual to remove the tumour because:
- it is not possible to be certain that it is not a squamous cell carcinoma
- a study examining underlying causes of cutaneous horns found that 23% were due to either malignant or premalignant conditions
- in light of possible risk of squamous cell carcinoma then an urgent dermatology review is required
- spontaneous resolution leaves an atrophic scar that is often cosmetically unattractive
Surgical excision provides the best specimen for histological examination and a good cosmetic result. Other standard treatment measures include curettage or cryotherapy.
Both low dose radiotherapy and intralesional 5-fluorouracil have been used successfully.
Reference: