23 May What is Actinic Keratosis?
The term “skin cancer” is well-known, and the key to addressing this common form of cancer is early detection and prevention. Before skin cancer, there is often actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis or “pre-cancer.” It presents as a crusty growth, often compared to a scale—and at RefinedMD, we can help. Caused by UV radiation and sun exposure, this type of pre-cancer often occurs in pairs or groups. There are many types of pre-cancer on the skin, and actinic keratosis can be a red flag as it can precede squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common type of skin cancer.
In the United States, around 420,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Of those diagnoses, 168,000 are squamous cell carcinomas. Actinic keratosis is the most common pre-cancerous skin lesion, and is often found on patients who have had excessive sun exposure. Being outdoors without sunscreen and indoor tanning are the two leading causes of actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratosis can be found anywhere on the body, but is most common on the face, neck, back of the hands/forearms, ears, shoulders, and scalp (particularly in those who are bald).
How to Identity AK
Actinic keratosis is usually rough in texture. These lesions are sometimes confused with warts, and consequently ignored. Oftentimes they are red, but may also present as a bronzed tan. Actinic keratosis can be white, flesh-colored, pink, or any combination of colors. In the early stages, actinic keratosis can be very small and may not be easily seen. However, patients often report that they feel the spot rather than see it. Anyone experiencing a spot on their skin that feels like sandpaper or notices anything unusual should immediately see a dermatologist to determine if the troublesome area is something serious, such as actinic keratosis, or benign.
Like many forms of skin cancer and pre-cancer, actinic keratosis often starts small and grows slowly. They are often around one quarter of an inch when a patient seeks the help of a dermatologist. In some cases, actinic keratosis may seem to disappear and re-appear at a later date. Sometimes these lesions are tender or itch, and can become inflamed or bleed. There is no standardized actinic keratosis, which means anything out of the ordinary on the skin is deserving of a dermatological visit.
Treating AK
Several effective treatments are available to remove or manage actinic keratosis. Here are some common ways to treat or remove actinic keratosis:
- Topical Medications: Topical medications are often the first line of treatment for actinic keratosis. These medications work by targeting and destroying abnormal skin cells. Common topical treatments include:
- Curettage and Electrodessication: Curettage involves scraping off the surface of AK lesions using a curette, a sharp instrument, followed by electrodessication, which involves using an electric current to destroy any remaining abnormal cells. This procedure is typically performed in a dermatologist’s office under local anesthesia.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Photodynamic therapy involves the application of a photosensitizing agent to the skin, followed by exposure to a specific wavelength of light. This combination activates the photosensitizer, selectively targeting and destroying AK cells while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. PDT is effective for treating multiple AK lesions simultaneously and has minimal scarring.
- Laser Therapy: Lasers can be used to selectively target and destroy AK lesions while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. Various types of lasers, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers or erbium lasers, may be used depending on the characteristics of the AK lesions and the patient’s skin type.
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin, which causes controlled exfoliation and peeling. Superficial chemical peels containing ingredients such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid can help improve the appearance of AK lesions and promote healthy skin renewal.
Do you have AK or another troubling mark? Get answers—and peace of mind. Schedule your appointment at RefinedMD today by calling the office or completing the online form.