Actinic keratosis, also called solar keratosis, is a type of cancer where scaly, crusty growths (lesions) are caused by damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is a potential pre-cancerous lesion. It typically appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, bald scalp, lips, and the back of the hands. The growths often:
- Appear elevated
- Are rough in texture
- Resemble warts
- Become red, tan, pink, or flesh-toned
If left untreated, up to ten percent of AKs develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is the second-most common form of skin cancer. In rarer instances, AKs may also turn into basal cell carcinomas (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer.
A dermatologist will select a treatment type such as immunotherapy, cryosurgery, chemotherapy applied to the skin, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy, or surgical treatment. A person can prevent skin cancer by regularly applying sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure when possible.
Source: American Academy of Dermatology
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation