These are small reddish or tan thickenings with an irregular rough or scaly surface. These develop mainly on the face and the backs of hands, and especially on bald scalps. Over years, some of these can develop into squamous cell skin cancers if left untreated. Physicians can remove small numbers of actinic keratoses by applying liquid nitrogen to freeze them. For more widespread actinic keratoses, dermatologists may prescribe an irritant ointment such as 5-fluorouracil, which creates redness and peeling.
Most skin cancers are basal cell cancers.
These look like dome-shaped pink bumps, with a raised pearly edge and visible red capillary blood vessels. They may show scaling or scabbing in the center. In most instances, basal cell skin cancers can be removed with relatively simple surgery, and they do not tend to spread through the system. Squamous cell cancers are less common among people with albinism in the United States, but can be more troublesome. They appear as firm red bumps that go on to form an ulcer surrounded by a firm border.