Actinic keratosis: Skin Cancers and their precursors

Non melanoma skin cancer ---> squamous cell carcinoma ---> Early skin cancer ---> Actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis (solar keratosis) are lesions that result from cumulative damage to keratinocytes by ultraviolet radiation. They are common lesions, particularly in individuals with skin phototypes I and II who are over the age of 40 and give a history of chronic sun exposure. On examination, they appear as multiple red, scaly plaques on sun-exposed skin. All patients should be strongly advised to minimize their sun exposure. Cryotherapy is effective in most cases; otherwise topical 5-fluorouracil cream or retinoids can be used. The presence of actinic keratosis is an indicator of increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers. They occasionally disappear spontaneously but in general remain for many years.