Actinic Keratosis
Actinic
keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is the most common type
of precancerous skin lesion. Exposure to sunlight over the years
irreversibly damages the cells in the skin. After enough exposure the
damaged skin begins to form rough, scaly spots called actinic keratoses
(AKs) which may never heal. These AKs are precancerous and if
neglected, may become skin cancer.
The
more time individuals spend in the sun over the years, the greater
their odds of developing one or more AKs. That is why these lesions are
more common in older people and outdoor workers. People with fair skin,
blonde or red hair, and blue, green, or grey eyes are at greater risk
because they are more susceptible to sun damage. But anyone can develop these precancerous growths, just as anyone can develop skin cancer.
The
more AKs that are present, the greater the chance that one or more may
turn into skin cancer. Once an AK becomes a cancer and invades more
deeply into the skin, it may bleed, ulcerate, become infected, and even
spread to internal organs.
How to spot an actinic keratosis
AKs typically occur on the face, lips, ears,
scalp, neck, back of the hands, shoulders, forearms, and back--the
parts of the body most often exposed to the sun. Ranging in size from 1
mm to 1 inch (most often about 2 mm to 4 mm) in diameter, AKs usually
appear as small crusty, scaly, or crumbly bumps or horns. The base can
be dark or light skin-colored and may have additional colors such as
tan, pink, or red onze website.
Early
on, AKs may come and go. Sometimes, they are more easily detected by
feel than by sight. They are dry and rough to the touch and may be raw
and sensitive. Occasionally, AKs itch and cause a prickling or burning
sensation. They can also be inflamed and surrounded by redness. In rare
instances, they may even bleed.
Treatment
When
it is not clear whether a growth is a precancerous AK or a fully
developed skin cancer, it may be necessary to remove a growth for
microscopic examination (biopsy). The appropriate treatment can then be
determined. Dr. Schwartz offers several treatment options for
patients with AKs, some are discussed below.
-Broad Band Light: see broad band light section(Radiancy)
-Levulon Kerastick (aminolevulinic acid HCI) for topical solution, 20%.
Levulo
is an advanced treatment for nonhyperkeratotic AKs (AKs that have not
become enlarged and thick) of the face and scalp. The system is unique
because it effectively triples the effect of broad band light
therapy alone. The treatment regime includes applying the
solution, an acid that occurs naturally in the body, to make the AKs
more sensitive to light. After waiting 1 hour, the patient returns
to the dermatologist’s office where the AKs are exposed to a
broad band light. This light then destroys the Aks. Eight weeks
after treatment, it had cleared 100% of AKs in about two out of three
patients. The system more effectively cleared AKs on the face than
those on the scalp.
http://www.dusapharma.com/patient_section.html
Prevention
Sun
damage is permanent and accumulative. Once sun damage has progressed to
the point where actinic keratoses have developed, new keratoses may
appear even without further sun exposure. It is important to avoid
excessive sun, but it is not necessary to totally deprive yourself of
the pleasure of being outdoors. Reasonable sun protection should be
your aim.
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