What cancer develops from actinic keratosis?

What cancer develops from actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratoses are very common, and many people have them. They are caused by ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin. Some actinic keratoses can turn into squamous cell skin cancer. Because of this, the lesions are often called precancer.

What is actinic keratosis caused by?

An actinic keratosis is caused by frequent or intense exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds.

How does actinic keratosis increase the risk of skin cancer?

AKs on sun-exposed body surfaces indicate previous chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and may, together with other factors, such as age, duration, and skin type, be sufficient to facilitate malignant change.

Who is at risk of getting actinic keratosis?

Who is at risk for getting actinic keratoses? People at risk include those with fair complexions, light hair or light eyes, a past history of prolonged or frequent sun-exposure ( lifeguards, construction workers, car salespeople, landscapers, roofers, boat enthusiasts, pool owners, tanners), and people who have lived in sunny areas.

What is the main symptom of actinic keratosis?

The main symptom of actinic keratosis is a dry, scaly skin lesion, often measuring an inch in diameter. The patch may be solitary or found in groups. The appearance of these patches varies; they may be: Skin-colored or reddish in appearance. Wart-like with a bumpy surface. Flat and thickened in the form of a papule.

What do you need to know about actinic keratosis?

Overview. Actinic keratoses are scaly spots or patches on the top layer of skin.

What are the differential diagnoses for actinic keratosis?

What is the dermoscopic differential diagnosis of actinic keratosis? Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can often arise from actinic keratosis. Squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Dotted/coiled vessels tend to be scattered more randomly in actinic keratosis than in intraepidermal carcinoma where they are arranged in lines or clusters. Lentigo maligna. Psoriasis.