- Actinic keratosis is a frequently occurring pre-cancerous skin disease.
- AK is associated with exposure to solar radiation
- AK occurs on sun-exposed areas of the skin:
- Face, head, torso, sternum, arms, shoulders
- AK carries a risk of progression to aggressive squamous cell epithelioma
- AK is a frequently occurring pre-cancerous skin disease usually in ages >60
- 25 – 50% of the population
- Australia: 40 – 60% (ages over 40)
Effect
- Depending on age. Years of exposure to solar radiation
- Depending on the population
- Fair skin type
- Blonde hair, blue eyes
- Occupation (farmers), sports, hobbies
Potential for malignant mutation
- 3 to 15%, per damage
- Mutation in squamous cell epithelioma
- Locally aggressive disease
- Potential for metastasis
- 15% in total
- Higher for lips – up to 25 – 30%
Treatment: cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, diathermocoagulation, local treatments