{"id":626,"date":"2025-06-18T22:06:18","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T22:06:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/borealisderm.com\/?p=626"},"modified":"2026-10-13T13:55:31","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T17:55:31","slug":"actinic-keratosis-precancerous-growths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/borealisderm.com\/es\/medical-dermatology\/actinic-keratosis-precancerous-growths\/","title":{"rendered":"Precancerous Skin Growths (Actinic Keratoses)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2190 Back to Medical Dermatology<\/a><\/p>\n

Actinic keratoses are rough, sun-damaged spots that matter because some can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.<\/p>\n

A few isolated lesions may be treated individually, while broader field damage may call for treatment of the surrounding sun-damaged skin as well. Options include cryotherapy, prescription field therapy, curettage, and photodynamic therapy.<\/p>\n

Diagnosis and Treatment Options<\/h2>\n

Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly lesions caused by cumulative ultraviolet exposure. They most often appear on chronically sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, forearms, and backs of the hands.<\/p>\n

\"Actinic<\/figure>\n

Why are they important?<\/h3>\n

Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous because a minority can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. It is not possible to predict with certainty which individual lesion will progress, so suspicious or persistent lesions should be evaluated.<\/p>\n

What do they look or feel like?<\/h3>\n

They may feel rough or sandpaper-like and can be skin-colored, pink, red, or brown. Some are easier to feel than see. Tenderness, thickening, rapid growth, bleeding, or ulceration can warrant biopsy.<\/p>\n

How are actinic keratoses treated?<\/h3>\n

Options include cryotherapy, topical field treatments, photodynamic therapy, curettage, and other approaches depending on the number, location, thickness, skin type, and extent of sun damage.<\/p>\n

Prevention and follow-up<\/h3>\n

Daily sun protection and periodic skin examinations are important because actinic keratoses indicate significant cumulative UV exposure and an increased risk of additional precancers and skin cancers.<\/p>\n

Related reading from Borealis<\/h3>\n

Explore these articles for more background and questions to discuss at your visit.<\/p>\n