Actinic Keratosis
Prevent skin cancer before it develops into a serious skin condition by addressing lesions called actinic keratosis. At Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia, our team believes an “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment” and our providers are skilled at care options for these precancerous lesions. If you have a suspicious spot on your skin, call the nearest Richmond-area office or book online today for an evaluation or treatment. If you have one or several spots you have noticed, consider that there might be others you haven't noticed that require the attention of a dermatologist. We recommend regular total body skin cancer screenings for this purpose.
What causes Actinic Keratoses?
Actinic keratoses are crusty, scaly growths that may turn into squamous cell carcinoma if not treated. Damage from exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays causes these lesions. Tanning bed use also contributes to their formation. Men and women with fair complexions and blonde or red hair and light eyes are usually most at risk for developing these lesions.
They are sometimes very obvious and develop cutaneous horns, while other times, they can be felt more than they can be seen. In both cases, evaluation and treatment by a board-certified dermatologist are important.
While actinic keratoses aren't skin cancer, it is the most common type of precancerous lesion. When untreated, these lesions can become squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer.
Where might I notice an Actinic Keratosis?
The parts of your body most frequently exposed to the sun may develop actinic keratosis. These include your:
People can sometimes develop lesions on their shins or other parts of the leg, too.
What are the indications that a lesion is an Actinic Keratosis?
At Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, the doctors strive for early detection and treatment of actinic keratoses during routine skin cancer screenings to help you avoid a cancer diagnosis. Treatment depends on the lesions' location and nature of the growth.
You may undergo:
The doctors may also offer topical treatments, especially if you have numerous, widespread actinic keratoses and sun damage. You may benefit from chemical peels, or prescription gels or creams.
Some patients do well with phototherapy. During this therapy, the doctor applies a topical agent to your skin, followed by an intense light that activates the agent to destroy the lesions, while keeping healthy tissues safe.
Dr. Gillen and Dr. O'Connor may recommend a combination of both focal and field treatments, too, depending on the extent of your case. And as they want to prevent actinic keratoses from becoming squamous cell carcinomas, they want to prevent actinic damage from forming into discrete actinic keratoses. The right sun protection is crucial for preventing the dangerous sunburns that will lead to these lesions.
If you're concerned you may have actinic keratoses, schedule an appointment with Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer by calling the nearest office or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and can be dangerous if it's left untreated. Routine skin cancer screenings with one of our expert team members at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center located in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia, ensure early detection and treatment to prevent complications. Call our office or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
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