Please check the website of the American Academy of Dermatology for details. Actinic keratoses are precancerous lesions of atypical keratinocytes. They are almost always multiple lesions. They are most commonly seen in light-skinned persons in the fourth or fifth decades. Any lesion suspected of being a squamous cell cancer should be biopsied.
Excision is the treatment of choice.
Prevention of actinic keratoses can be achieved by avoiding excessive sun exposure by using protective clothing and sunscreens. You should contact a dermatologist for further information and evaluation of a specific skin lesion. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.