How do you recognize a cutaneous horn?
How Does A Cutaneous Horn Look?
A cutaneous horn can appear in any shape and size, like a large bump, cone, thorn, or horn. It is a horn-like growth on the skin and can be:
White, tan, yellow, or brown
It can be of any shape:
Cylindrical, conical, pointed, folded, or curved
It can occur on:
Face, hands, ears, chest, arms, or nose
The base skin may get slightly thickened, and the horn can grow up to a few millimeters or centimeters. One may experience pain and infection if the horn is damaged. These horns may indicate an underlying condition. But why do they occur on the body? What causes cutaneous horns?
Causes Of Cutaneous Horns
Although the exact cause of cutaneous horns is unknown, it is believed to develop from excessive keratin on the skin. In addition, cellular aging and photodamage are also assumed to cause cutaneous horns (2). Sun exposure and old age are observed as the most common comorbidities in cases of cutaneous horns (2). Both men and women can develop cutaneous horns. However, men are more likely to develop a cancerous horn (3). Although not established, people with fairer skin may have more chances of developing cutaneous horns (2). Cutaneous horns are often benign. But they can be cancerous too. For example, they could occur due to squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer developing in the cells in the middle and outer skin layers) or basal cell carcinoma (cancer that grows on the skin areas exposed to the sun).
There are a few risk factors associated with cutaneous horns. We will discuss them in the next section.
Risk Factors Of Cutaneous Horns
Cutaneous horns are not contagious. However, about 40% of the horns may be harmful and indicate Bowen’s disease or skin cancer (4). Hence, you must consult a physician when they first appear. Common symptoms seen in cancerous horns are:
Pain around the affected area Redness or bleeding Thickening at the base of the horn• Growth at a rapid pace
Cutaneous horns on the upper regions of the face and ears are more commonly associated with malignancy (1). Also, lesions with a wider base are more likely to be cancerous (2). How can you know for sure if the horn is cancerous? The right diagnosis can help.
Diagnosis Of A Cutaneous Horn
Cutaneous horns are mostly examined by their clinical appearance. However, the risk of skin cancer warrants a histological examination to determine if the horn is cancerous. Your doctor may suggest a biopsy test for the same. The entire horn is removed during a biopsy and sent for additional tests to determine the right treatment options. We will look into these treatment options in the next section.
Treatment For A Cutaneous Horn
The most chosen treatment is the removal of the horn, which can be carried out:
Surgically Medically Via laser ablation
However, the type of treatment will also depend on the type of growth. If the cutaneous horns are non-cancerous, treatment may include:
Removing or excising the horns from the base Freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen Burning the growth with laser
If the cutaneous horns are cancerous, treatment may include:
Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Topical medicines to improve the immune system
Cutaneous horns may reappear or grow back even after removal. But following measures may help prevent their recurrence.
Reducing The Risk Of Cutaneous Horns
Decrease your sun exposure. Wear sun-protective clothing. Always wear sunscreen before stepping out in the sun. Avoid indulging in outdoor activities between 10 AM and 4 PM when the ultraviolet radiation could be at its peak (5). Perform self-skin checks and look for any uncommon growths on the skin.
How common is a cutaneous horn? A cutaneous horn is commonly observed in elderly individuals between 60 and 80. Both males and females develop cutaneous horns in the neck, head, and upper extremities (2).
