A cutaneous horn is a clinical sign rather than a specific diagnosis. Cutaneous horns are hyperkeratotic, conical projections that arise from benign, premalignant, or malignant lesions. Cutaneous horns are more commonly seen in sun-exposed areas but can occur almost anywhere on the skin, including the penis and groin. They occur more commonly in men over the age of 50 years.
Warts and seborrheic keratoses are common benign lesions that may be seen at the base of a cutaneous horn. Premalignant causes include actinic keratoses, and in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is reported to be found in 20% of cutaneous horns.
Cutaneous horns are occasionally seen in children (almost always caused by warts).
Immunocompromised patients are prone to SCC, especially on sun-exposed areas, and these may present as cutaneous horns.
Cutaneous horn
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Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:
L85.8 – Other specified epidermal thickening
SNOMEDCT:
403871001 – Cutaneous horn
L85.8 – Other specified epidermal thickening
SNOMEDCT:
403871001 – Cutaneous horn
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Last Reviewed:01/12/2025
Last Updated:01/13/2025
Last Updated:01/13/2025
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Cutaneous horn
