cutaneous horn

Definition : Cutaneous horns, also known by the Latin name cornu cutaneum, are unusual keratinous skin tumors with the appearance of horns, or sometimes of wood or coral. Formally, this is a clinical diagnosis for a "conical projection above the surface of the skin."

They are usually small and localized, but can, in very rare cases be much larger. Although often benign, they can also be malignant or premalignant.

Etiology (examples)

 verruca vulgaris (wart)
 actinic keratosis (a potentially pre-malignant lesion of dysplastic keratinocytes)
 squamous cell carcinoma

• intraepidermal SCC / Bowen disease
• invasive SCC

See also

 epidermal anomalies