Medical Health Encyclopedia

Actinic keratosis

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Actinic keratosis on the arm Actinic keratosis - close-up Actinic keratosis on the forearms Actinic keratosis on the scalp Actinic keratosis - ear

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Actinic keratosis

Definition:

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin growth usually caused by sun exposure.

Alternative Names:
Solar keratosis; Sun-induced skin changes - keratosis; Keratosis - actinic (solar)

Text Continues Below

---

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Actinic keratosis occurs most commonly in fair skin, especially in the elderly and in young individuals with light complexions. The growths occur in sun-exposed skin areas. The growths begin as flat, scaly areas that later develop a hard wart-like surface.

They are classified as precancerous growths. If left untreated, approximately 1% of actinic keratoses develop into squamous cell carcinoma.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.