Surpassing even prostate, colorectal, lung and breast cancer, skin cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed forms of the disease. It is dubbed as the most widespread cancer in the 20 – 39 age group of the entire population. Unheard of by many, actinic keratosis is precancerous and has been confirmed to potentially progress into squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer. Lesions from actinic keratosis that are left untreated have a 20% risk of progressing into that particular cancerous disease.
Alternative names for actinic keratosis contain solar keratosis or senile keratosis and the lesions often look like spots of skin 2 to 6 mm in diameter that feel approximate. Usually painful and sore, the actinic keratoses are colored red. You may also sometimes see white or yellow scales on them.
Because it has been studied that actinic keratosis is potentially precancerous, the skin condition is considered as very risky.
Studies show that too much time under the sun is the major reason behind the occurrence of solar keratosis. Honest-skinned individuals are more at risk with regards to this skin condition, mainly when they go outside without protection from the sun.
The top surface of the hands and the forearms are the most frequently affected parts of the body by actinic keratosis. This is because these parts are often the most exposed to the sun. Alternate areas usually targeted by actinic keratosis contain the face, the scalp and the nape. For some, even their legs get affected with the skin condition.
It is highly advised that lesions from actinic keratosis be immediately removed once diagnosed. If you happen to see suspicious red lesions on your epidermis, you should see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Have the doctor determine if the patches of reddish skin are precancerous. Should the lesions be found as being caused by actinic keratosis, quick action is advised. Time is vital when it comes to cancer. The earlier it is treated, the superior the chances are that you will be cured.
Actinic keratosis treatment can be in the form of using creams. Photodynamic creams or those that come with imiquimod, diclofenac, or 5-fluorouracil are applied in skin therapy to treat actinic keratosis. Lasers are also utilized for this purpose. Still other ways contain the burning/cold of the lesions as well as cryosurgery.
No topic what kind of process you choose to deal with your skin lesions, do remember to engage only competent as well as respectable doctors. Such precancerous lesions may be your end if you are not serious with your treatment.