Pre-malignant Skin Conditions Flashcards
What does actinic keratosis look like?
Erythematous, scaly patches which can organize to form a keratin horn
Can actinic keratoses transform to SCC?
Yes, but rate of transformation is low. Invasive SCC fequently develops de novo without being in situ first
How prevalent are actinic keratoses>
About 20% fair skinned individuals above 60 years have one or more.
Where does actinic keratosis tend to occur?
On exposed sites such as the face, balding scalp, forearms and dorsum of the hands
What might make you suspect that an actinic keratosis is an SCC?
If its is painful, indurated, inflamed or unresponsive to treatment
How is actinic keratosis treated?
Lesion directed therapy- curretage and cautery if fails to respond to cryotherapy
Field directed therapy if lesions are multiple or confluent within a single anatomical area- fluorouracil cream or diclofenac gel
What is lentigo maligna?
A type of in situ melanoma that is confined to the dermis
Can progress to melanome so should be treated by surgical excision
What is bowens disease?
Another form or premalignant SCC,
Predominantly in females
Presents as a fixed, gradually enlarging well demarcated erythematous scaly plaque. Tendency to affect the lower legs.
How is bowens disease treated?
Cryotherapy, curretage and cautery are first line treatments
