Eyelid
A rapidly growing, crater-shaped eyelid nodule that can be indistinguishable from squamous cell carcinoma — excised with pathologic confirmation rather than observed.
Medically reviewed by M. Polly McKinstry, MDOculoplastic SurgeonLast updated June 2026
A keratoacanthoma is a rapidly growing skin nodule that can appear on the eyelid over just a few weeks. It is dome- or cup-shaped, with a central plug of keratin (the hard protein of skin and nails) that gives it a volcano-like look. Its defining feature is also its danger: it grows fast and can then partly shrink on its own — but under the microscope it can be almost impossible to tell apart from an eyelid squamous cell carcinoma. For that reason it is taken seriously and removed for pathologic confirmation.
This is a focused companion to our Eyelid Skin Lesions & Tumors guide, which covers the full range of benign and malignant eyelid growths.
A keratoacanthoma classically presents as:
The speed of growth is a key clue. Most benign eyelid lesions grow slowly or not at all; a nodule that visibly enlarges week to week deserves prompt evaluation.
Keratoacanthomas were once considered purely benign because some do involute (shrink) on their own. The problem is twofold. First, it can be clinically and even histologically indistinguishable from squamous cell carcinoma, a genuine eyelid cancer that can invade and spread if left. Second, even a "self-resolving" keratoacanthoma can leave a scarred, distorted eyelid in the process. Because the eyelid is small and functionally critical, the safe course is excision with pathology rather than waiting to see whether it shrinks.
The standard of care is complete excision with pathologic confirmation. Removing the lesion does two things at once: it takes the growth off the eyelid, and it lets the pathologist examine the full specimen to confirm the diagnosis — noting that many pathologists now classify keratoacanthoma itself as a well-differentiated form of squamous cell carcinoma, which is a further reason it is treated surgically rather than observed. When cancer cannot be excluded on a partial sample, a full excision provides the definitive answer.
Because eyelid tissue is limited and every millimeter counts for lid function and closure, reconstruction after removal is part of the plan — an area where oculoplastic surgeons have specific reconstructive expertise. Where margins are a concern, excision may be coordinated with Mohs surgery for precise margin control, followed by eyelid reconstruction.
Any eyelid nodule that grows noticeably over a few weeks — especially one with a central keratin crater — should be examined promptly. Do not wait for it to "go away on its own." An ASOPRS-trained oculoplastic surgeon can excise the lesion, confirm the diagnosis, and reconstruct the eyelid to preserve both appearance and function.
A fast-growing eyelid nodule needs prompt evaluation
Keratoacanthoma can mimic eyelid skin cancer — excision with pathology is the safe answer. Find an ASOPRS-trained oculoplastic surgeon near you.
Your Surgeon
M. Polly McKinstry, MD
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
🏅 ASOPRS Fellowship Trained
Schedule a consultation with M. Polly McKinstry, MD to learn if this procedure is right for you.
