The term, Actinic Keratosis (plural: Actinic Keratoses) refers to a precancerous lesion that develops on areas of skin that have received excessive sun exposure. Common areas include:
1) Back of hands
2) Scalp
3) Forearms
4) Face
5) Lips (also known as actinic cheilitis)
This growth has a rough, dry and scaly texture. Most people have more than one lesion. Some may not even be visible. Actinic Keratoses patches are often skin colored, or reddish brown tones. Some manifestations are very small, the size of a pinhead. Others are much bigger, almost as large as a quarter.
Individuals with Actinic Keratoses may experience itchiness and tenderness.
When Actinic Keratoses Develops Into Skin Cancer
When left untreated, Actinic Keratoses can develop into squamous cell skin cancer. About 40-60% of patients with this cancer started off with Actinic Keratoses.
AK can also develop into other forms of skin cancer such as: basal cell carcinoma or melanoma.
The initial development of Actinic Keratoses can serve as a warning for patients to seek treatment. Early intervention can prevent more serious manifestations.
Who Is At Risk For Developing Actinic Keratoses?
Actinic Keratoses usually develops in those with fair skin that is prone to developing freckles and sunburns. Usually these individuals have blond or reddish hair.
The lesions often appear in those who are forty years or older. However it is possible for individuals who are younger and have darker skin tones to develop Actinic Keratoses if they are exposed to the sun on a frequent and regular basis.
This condition is relatively preventable through proper sun protection avoiding excess amounts of UV rays.
Treatment For Actinic Keratoses
Actinic Keratoses can be treated through medications or procedures. Initially, a doctor will need to perform a biopsy. This requires taking samples of tissue and examining it under a microscope to see if cancer cells have developed.
Drugs for Actinic Keratoses
Topical creams may be prescribed for the treatment of Actinic Keratoses. Examples include:
(1) 5-FU (Flourouracil)
This drug belongs to a classification of chemogtherapy medications known as anti-metabolites. It works at the level of the genetic mutations with the cells’ DNA and RNA to actually stop the development of cancer cells.
(2) Picato Gel (ingenol mebutate)
Picato Gel is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 2012. It has been shown to work much faster than other topical drugs (in a matter of days). The exact mechanism of action is unknown. But the gel basically causes cellular death of the Actinic Keratoses lesions.
(3) Zyclara (imiquimod) Cream, 3.75%
This drug works by enhancing the body’s immune response so that it is in a position to destroy Actinic Keratoses cells.
(3) Solaraze (diclofenac sodium -3%)
Solaraze is an anti-inflammatory drug that will block a specific enzyme to reduce the presence of inflammatory agents that develop in the body. It is not entirely clear how it works against Actinic Keratoses.
Procedures for Actinic Keratoses
Actinic Keratoses can also be treated through procedures such as:
1) Curretage. A spoon shaped surgical tool known as a currette is used to scoop out the unwanted tissue. Partial removal can be performed for a biopsy. Or the entire lesion may be removed.
2) Laser. The Nd:YAG laser which uses the 1064nm wavelength can be used to destroy Actinic Keratoses cells. Laser energy is particularly useful when precision is required. Examples include areas such as the lips, or narrow crevices.
3) Surgical Excision. Doctors may choose to scrape or excise the Actinic Keratosis using a scalpel.
4) Cryotherapy. In cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen is applied to the Actinic Keratoses in order to freeze the cells. This will dry out the lesion, causing the tissue to fall off.
5) Photodynamic Therapy. Light or laser energy is used to destroy AK cells. These procedures often require the application of a special lotion that will increase the skin’s sensitivity to the light energy.
The choice of procedure will often depend on where the actinic keratoses is located as well as other factors. Usually several sessions are needed. Sometimes different types of procedures are combined. And the use of medication can supplement the results.
Free Consultations For Patients With Actinic Keratoses
Fine Touch Dermatology offers board certified expertise for Los Angeles Actinic Keratoses patients. Individiuals may sign up for a free consultation to discuss their condition and specific treatment options.
Appointments can be made by filling out our form at the top of the page or by calling us at 877-337-6424.
Actinic Keratoses is closely linked to excess sun exposure*