title: The importance of early diagnosis and treatment of actinic keratosis.
abstract: Chronic, long-term sun exposure results in genetic changes in epidermal keratinocytes and the development of various skin lesions ranging from actinic keratosis (AK) to skin cancer. AK lesions may first appear as rough, scaly spots on sun-exposed skin, and, although most individual AK lesions do not become invasive cancers, the majority of invasive squamous cell carcinomas originate from AK. Genetic analysis demonstrates that ultraviolet radiation-induced mutations and changes in gene expression are present in squamous cell carcinoma, AK, and clinically normal-appearing perilesional sun-exposed skin, which supports the progressive nature of keratinocyte transformation. The presence of certain clinical features, such as large size, ulceration, or bleeding, suggests an increased risk of disease progression. The risk is also increased by evidence of extensive solar damage, advanced age, and immunosuppression. Early diagnosis and consideration for treatment are indicated to clear actinically damaged sites and diminish the risk of invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, New York University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Darrell S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Rigel
authors.forename: Linda F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Stein Gold
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology; D046169:Dermoscopy; D018450:Disease Progression; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D055623:Keratosis, Actinic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000235:genetics; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53