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Actinic Keratosis

  • Allison Pye
  • Daniel Wallis
  • Vineet Mishra
Chapter
First Online:

Abstract

Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common precancerous skin lesion. AKs present on sun-damaged skin as pink to red gritty macules or papules. Patients with numerous AKs are at increased risk of developing skin cancer. AK development represents the initial step in keratinocytes’ progression to squamous cell carcinoma. Patients with numerous AKs are at increased risk of developing skin cancer. Treatment options for AKs include cryosurgery, topical chemotherapies, chemical peels, and laser surgery. Prevention is of utmost importance, including photoprotection such as sun protective clothing and sunscreens.

Keywords

Actinic keratosis Solar keratosis Photodamage Precancerous Cryosurgery Topical chemotherapy Sun protection 
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.DermatologyMcGovern Medical School, UT HoustonHoustonUSA
  2. 2.DermatologyTexas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbockUSA
  3. 3.Department of MedicineUniversity of Texas Health Science Center – San AntonioSan AntonioUSA

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