Common, usually multiple, premalignant lesions of sun-exposed areas of the skin. Many resolve spontaneously, and a small proportion progresses to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Common...
The lesions are frequently asymptomatic; symptoms may include pruritus, burning, and mild hyperesthesia.
Lesions may enlarge, thicken, or become more scaly. They also may regress or re...
First-line treatment is cryotherapy (technically, this is considered surgery, especially by insurance companies) (1). Medical therapy is usually reserved for multiple or extensive AKs (“fie...
Teach sun-protective techniques.
Limit outdoor activiti...
201101007 Actinic keratosis (disorder)
254667001 Hypertrophic solar keratosis
403200005 Atrophic actinic keratosis
403198004 lichenoid actinic keratosis (disorder...
AKs are premalignant lesions, although most will not progress to squamous cell cancer and many will regress with time.
Often more easily felt than seen
Therapy-resistant lesions should b...
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actinic keratosis: numerous keratoses over te scalp induced by chronic ultra-voilet exposure
Solar keratosis. Note the erosions and crusting on the lower lip of this elderly patient. From Goodheart HP. Goodheart's Photoguide to Common Skin Disorders: Diagnosis and Management, 3rd Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009.
Solar keratosis. Note the erosions and crusting on the lower lip of this elderly patient. From Goodheart HP. Goodheart's Photoguide to Comm...
Squamous cell carcinoma. This nodular lesion arose from a solar keratosis. From Goodheart HP. Goodheart's Photoguide to Common Skin Disorders: Diagnosis and Management, 3rd Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009.
Squamous cell carcinoma. This nodular lesion arose from a solar keratosis. From Goodheart HP. Goodheart's Photoguide to Common Skin Disorde...
Solar keratoses, hypertrophic. The solar keratoses occur primarily in areas of sun-exposed skin in this elderly woman. From Goodheart HP. Goodheart's Photoguide to Common Skin Disorders: Diagnosis and Management, 3rd Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009.
Solar keratoses, hypertrophic. The solar keratoses occur primarily in areas of sun-exposed skin in this elderly woman. From Goodheart HP. G...
Solar keratosis. This cutaneous horn was also produced by an underlying solar keratosis. A biopsy was performed to rule out squamous cell carcinoma. From Goodheart HP. Goodheart's Photoguide to Common Skin Disorders: Diagnosis and Management, 3rd Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009.
Solar keratosis. This cutaneous horn was also produced by an underlying solar keratosis. A biopsy was performed to rule out squamous cell c...
Actinic keratosis
Actinic Keratosis Actinic keratoses are superficial, flattened papules covered by a dry scale. Often multiple, they may be round or irregular, and are pink, tan, or grayish. They appear on sun-exposed skin of older, fair-skinned persons. Though themselves benign, these lesions may give rise to squamous cell carcinoma (suggested by rapid growth, induration, redness at the base, and ulceration). Keratoses on face and hand, typical locations, are shown.
Actinic Keratosis Actinic keratoses are superficial, flattened papules covered by a dry scale. Often multiple, they may be round or irregu...