Actinic keratosis

Question 1

Define actinic keratosis.

Answer 1

UV-induced precancerous skin lesion that may progress to skin cancer

Question 2

Describe the appearance of actinic keratosis.

Answer 2

• Occurs on areas of sun-exposed skin (usually forehead)
• Initially: small lesion (papule or plaque) with rough surface
• Later: lesions grow and become brown or erythematous and scaly

Question 3

What is actinic cheilitis?

Answer 3

Subtype of actinic keratosis which appears on the lower lip

Question 4

What is cutaneous horn?

Answer 4

• Subtype of actinic keratosis
• Benign growth of keratin that resembles a horn
• May develop from pre-existing actinic and seborrheic keratoses or warts
• Treatment of choice is surgical excision with margin

Question 5

What is the treatment of actinic keratosis?

Answer 5

• Prevention (sun avoidance, wearing sunscreen)
• 5-fluorouracil cream
• Topical diclofenac
• Topical imiquimod
• Photodynamic therapy
• Curettage and cautery