ABSTRACT
Very common, elevated plaques. Superficial scaling may be present. There is no premalignant potential. Excision for cosmetic reasons may be required.
Actinic keratoses
Sun exposed skin areas are at risk. Wart like growths these lesions occasionally become inflamed. Scale is typical and may be marked and hyperkeratotic. Patients most at risk include fair skinned persons and those whose occupation entails high sunlight (UV) light exposure. Incidence is higher in fair skinned Caucasians. These lesions are considered to be premalignant. Excision biopsy is required. Epithelial dysplasia may progress to squamous carcinoma. Treatments of the keratosis have included shave excision, cryotherapy, and topical antimitotic agents such as 5 fluorouracil.
