title: Actinic keratoses. Differential diagnosis and treatment.
abstract: Actinic keratoses are extremely common premalignant keratinocytic neoplastic lesions that develop primarily in fair-complexioned individuals during midlife or beyond. Genetic, occupational and other environmental factors predispose to the development of these lesions. Without treatment, a significant number may progress to fully developed neoplasms, especially squamous cell carcinoma, over a period of 20 to 50 years. The multistep theory of carcinogenesis is helpful in understanding the pathogenesis and progression of this important and highly prevalent lesion.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatopathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Barnaby
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Styles
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Cockerell
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology; D002615:Chemexfoliation; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003452:Cryosurgery; D003475:Curettage; D003869:Dermabrasion; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004598:Electrosurgery; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007642:Keratosis / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D009637:Masoprocol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D009637:Masoprocol; D005472:Fluorouracil