Single or multiple superficial skin lesions. These may be red, and most commonly have a gritty, sandpaper-like feel on the surface. They are found in chronically sun-exposed areas in over 50% of light skinned individuals over the age of 40. They are an indicator of chronic sun exposure, and are pre-malignant(i.e. are not cancerous but can become skin cancers if left untreated for a number of years).
a precancerous skin growth usually caused by sun exposure
A pre-cancerous skin growth that is sensitive to sunlight. It can become an early form of squamous cell skin cancer. It may appear as a dry, rough or scaly bump on the skin, as mottled skin or as horny growths. It is also called solar or senile keratosis.
A precancerous skin condition resulting from an alteration in the keratinocyte cells within the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Actinic keratoses usually appear as small bumps with rough, scaly surfaces or sores. They can be as little as the tip of a pencil or as large as a quarter. If diagnosed early, actinic keratoses can be removed by cryotherapy (freezing), surgical excision, curettage (scraping), by applying a cream (Aldara) or by chemical peeling, dermabrasion, laser surgery, or other surgical procedure. Actinic keratoses are one of the most common skin conditions, affecting over 10 million Americans, being especially prevalent among people who live in sunny climates. Actinic keratoses can be prevented by using sun protection early and throughout life.
(ak TIN ik KER ah TOH sis): Singular; plural, keratoses. Premalignant lesion caused by cumulative sun exposure. Usually occurs on body areas that receive a lot of sun exposure. Appears as rough, scaling macule or papule.
A pre-malignant neoplasm that presents as a scaly grayish brown to red lesion on the skin and which may evolve into squamous cell carcinoma. Some dermatologists do not believe actinic keratosis is pre-malignant.
an overgrowth of skin layers resulting from extended exposure to the sun
a precancerous skin lesion caused by sun damage
a scaly or crusty bump that forms on the skin surface
A small rough spot on skin chronically exposed to the sun, occurs most frequently in fair skinned people.
Early form of skin cancer ("carcinoma in situ"), not yet metastasizing
a precancerous condition of thick, scaly patches of skin.
Small, rough reddish patches on the skin. Often sharp to the touch. Most common in fair-skinned people, these may become skin cancer if not removed.
A lesion that is abnormally sensitive to ultraviolet light (sunlight) Thought to be a precancerpous lesion that is more common in fair-skinned or elderly individuals. It is sharply outlined, red or skin-colored, flat or elevated keratotic growth that may become cancerous.
a precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin often looks like a thick scaly patch.
Precancerous lesion caused by solar radiation, which occurs mainly in sun exposed areas of the body (face, hands, scalp).
Actinic keratosis (also called solar keratosis, senile keratosis, or AK) is a premalignant condition of thick, scaly, or crusty patches of skin. It is most common in fair-skinned people who are frequently exposed to the sun, because their pigment isn't very protective. It usually is accompanied by solar damage.
