Actinic keratosis: Difference between revisions
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Image = Actinic keratosis 1.jpg| | Image = Actinic keratosis 1.jpg| | ||
Caption = Actinic keratosis. <br> <small> [http://www.peir.net Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology] </small> | | Caption = Actinic keratosis. <br> <small> [http://www.peir.net Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology] </small> | | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Search infobox}} | {{Search infobox}} | ||
{{CMG}} | {{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{KS}} | ||
{{SK}} Solar keratosis; AK | |||
==Overview== | |||
'''Actinic keratosis''' is a [[premalignant condition]] of thick, scaly, or crusty patches of [[skin]]. It is most common in fair-skinned people who are frequently exposed to the sun, because their pigment isn't very protective. It usually is accompanied by solar damage. Since some of these pre-cancers progress to [[squamous cell carcinoma]], they should be treated. | |||
''' | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
When skin is exposed to the sun constantly, thick, scaly, or crusty bumps appear. The scaly or crusty part of the bump is dry and rough. The growths start out as flat scaly areas, and later grow into a tough, wart-like area. | |||
==Diagnosis== | |||
===Physical Examination=== | |||
An actinic [[keratosis]] site commonly ranges in between 2 to 6 millimeters, and can be dark or light, tan, pink, red, a combination of all these, or the same pigment of one's [[skin]]. It may appear on any sun-exposed area, such as the [[face]], [[ear]]s, [[neck]], [[scalp]], [[chest]], back of hands, [[forearm]]s, [[lip]]s etc. | |||
====Skin==== | |||
=====Face===== | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Keratosis solar01.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar05.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar08.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar09.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar10.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar11.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar01.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar13.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar14.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar15.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar17.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar20.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar21.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar23.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar24.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
</gallery> | |||
=====Extremities===== | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Keratosis solar02.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar03.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar04.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar04.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar07.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar12.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar18.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
File:Keratosis solar19.jpg|Keratosis solar. <SMALL><SMALL>''[http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/ Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.]''<ref name="Dermatology Atlas">{{Cite web | title = Dermatology Atlas | url = http://www.atlasdermatologico.com.br/}}</ref></SMALL></SMALL> | |||
</gallery> | |||
===Other Diagnostic Studies=== | |||
Doctors can usually identify AK by doing a thorough examination. A [[biopsy]] may be necessary when the keratosis is large and/or thick, to make sure that the bump is a keratosis and not a skin cancer. [[Seborrheic keratosis|Seborrheic keratoses]] are other bumps that appear in groups like the actinic keratosis but are not caused by sun exposure, and are not related to skin cancers. [[Seborrheic keratoses]] may be mistaken for an actinic keratosis. | |||
== | ==Treatment == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|+Modalities employed in the treatment of actinic keratosis | |||
! style="background: #4479BA; width: 200px;" |{{fontcolor|#FFF|Medical Therapy}} | |||
! style="background: #4479BA; width: 500px;" |{{fontcolor|#FFF|Characteristics}} | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #DCDCDC; font-weight: bold" |[[Fluorouracil_(topical)|5-Fluorouracil]] (a chemotherapy agent) | |||
| | |||
A cream that contains this medication causes AKs to become red and [[inflamed]] before they fall off. The application of [[Fluorouracil_(topical)|5-FU]] prevents production of DNA on the cells. Treatment products containing 5FU are Efudix, Carac, [[Fluorouracil_(topical)|Fluorocacil]], among others. | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #DCDCDC; font-weight: bold" |[[Cauterization|Electrocautery]] | |||
| | |||
Consists of burning off AKs with electricity. | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #DCDCDC; font-weight: bold" |[[Immunotherapy]] | |||
| | |||
[[imiquimod|Imiquimod]] uses your body's immune system to kill cancer cells. Improvement of the immune system works its way out up to the cancerous cells and treat the [[Skin_cancer|skin cancer]]. Treatment products containing [[imiquimod|Imiquimod]] include Aldara™, Zyclara, [[Interferon]], among others. | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #DCDCDC; font-weight: bold" |Natural direct therapy | |||
| | |||
Active compound BEC (based on eggplant) works its way to the endo-lectins of the cancerous cells and causes their [[Apoptosis|apoptosis]] (death). Treatment products containing BEC for [[Skin_cancer|skin cancer]] and AKs are [https://www.curadermbcc.eu/treatments-for-skin-cancers/ Curaderm BCC], among others. | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #DCDCDC; font-weight: bold" |Photodynamic therapy | |||
| | |||
This therapy involves application of a chemical on the skin. It destroys cancerous cells with a combination of laser light and drugs, that makes them sensitive to light. | |||
|- | |||
| style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #DCDCDC; font-weight: bold" |Freezing | |||
| | |||
Medical professional applies [[liquid nitrogen]] ([[Cryosurgery]]) to freeze and destroy actinic keratosis and some small, early skin cancers. The dead tissue sloughs off later on. | |||
|- | |||
| colspan="2" style="padding: 5px 5px; background: #DCDCDC; font-weight: bold" |Different forms of [[surgery]] | |||
|} | |||
Regular follow-up after treatment is advised by many doctors. The regular checks are to make sure new bumps have not developed and that old ones haven't become thicker and/or have skin disease. | |||
== | ===Primary Prevention=== | ||
Preventative measures recommended for AK are similar to those for skin cancer: | |||
*Not staying in the sun for long periods of time without protection (e.g.[[sunscreen]], clothing, hats). | |||
*Frequently applying powerful sunscreens with [[Sunscreen|SPF]] ratings greater than 15 and that also block both [[Ultraviolet|UVA]] and[[Ultraviolet|UVB]] light. | |||
*Using sunscreen even in winter [[Sunburn|sun exposure]]. | |||
*Wearing sun protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants. | |||
*Avoiding sun exposure during noon hours is very helpful because [[ultraviolet]] light is the most powerful at that time. | |||
== | ==Future or Investigational Therapies== | ||
As of 2008 a company in Australia named Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited is performing [[clinical trial]]s with a [[melanocyte-stimulating hormone]] named [[melanotan]] (which they refer to as CUV1647) for actinic keratosis in organ transplant patients.<ref name="Clinuvel">[http://www.clinuvel.com/en/faqs/ Clinuvel » Investors » FAQs<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> | As of 2008 a company in Australia named Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited is performing [[clinical trial]]s with a [[melanocyte-stimulating hormone]] named [[melanotan]] (which they refer to as CUV1647) for actinic keratosis in organ transplant patients.<ref name="Clinuvel">[http://www.clinuvel.com/en/faqs/ Clinuvel » Investors » FAQs<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Disease]] | |||
[[ | |||
{{WikiDoc Help Menu}} | {{WikiDoc Help Menu}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 09:28, 2 August 2021
Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox Template:Search infobox Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]
Synonyms and keywords: Solar keratosis; AK
Overview
Actinic keratosis is a premalignant condition of thick, scaly, or crusty patches of skin. It is most common in fair-skinned people who are frequently exposed to the sun, because their pigment isn't very protective. It usually is accompanied by solar damage. Since some of these pre-cancers progress to squamous cell carcinoma, they should be treated.
Pathophysiology
When skin is exposed to the sun constantly, thick, scaly, or crusty bumps appear. The scaly or crusty part of the bump is dry and rough. The growths start out as flat scaly areas, and later grow into a tough, wart-like area.
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
An actinic keratosis site commonly ranges in between 2 to 6 millimeters, and can be dark or light, tan, pink, red, a combination of all these, or the same pigment of one's skin. It may appear on any sun-exposed area, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, back of hands, forearms, lips etc.
Skin
Face
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
Extremities
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
-
Keratosis solar. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.[1]
Other Diagnostic Studies
Doctors can usually identify AK by doing a thorough examination. A biopsy may be necessary when the keratosis is large and/or thick, to make sure that the bump is a keratosis and not a skin cancer. Seborrheic keratoses are other bumps that appear in groups like the actinic keratosis but are not caused by sun exposure, and are not related to skin cancers. Seborrheic keratoses may be mistaken for an actinic keratosis.
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Characteristics |
---|---|
5-Fluorouracil (a chemotherapy agent) |
A cream that contains this medication causes AKs to become red and inflamed before they fall off. The application of 5-FU prevents production of DNA on the cells. Treatment products containing 5FU are Efudix, Carac, Fluorocacil, among others. |
Electrocautery |
Consists of burning off AKs with electricity. |
Immunotherapy |
Imiquimod uses your body's immune system to kill cancer cells. Improvement of the immune system works its way out up to the cancerous cells and treat the skin cancer. Treatment products containing Imiquimod include Aldara™, Zyclara, Interferon, among others. |
Natural direct therapy |
Active compound BEC (based on eggplant) works its way to the endo-lectins of the cancerous cells and causes their apoptosis (death). Treatment products containing BEC for skin cancer and AKs are Curaderm BCC, among others. |
Photodynamic therapy |
This therapy involves application of a chemical on the skin. It destroys cancerous cells with a combination of laser light and drugs, that makes them sensitive to light. |
Freezing |
Medical professional applies liquid nitrogen (Cryosurgery) to freeze and destroy actinic keratosis and some small, early skin cancers. The dead tissue sloughs off later on. |
Different forms of surgery |
Regular follow-up after treatment is advised by many doctors. The regular checks are to make sure new bumps have not developed and that old ones haven't become thicker and/or have skin disease.
Primary Prevention
Preventative measures recommended for AK are similar to those for skin cancer:
- Not staying in the sun for long periods of time without protection (e.g.sunscreen, clothing, hats).
- Frequently applying powerful sunscreens with SPF ratings greater than 15 and that also block both UVA andUVB light.
- Using sunscreen even in winter sun exposure.
- Wearing sun protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.
- Avoiding sun exposure during noon hours is very helpful because ultraviolet light is the most powerful at that time.
Future or Investigational Therapies
As of 2008 a company in Australia named Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited is performing clinical trials with a melanocyte-stimulating hormone named melanotan (which they refer to as CUV1647) for actinic keratosis in organ transplant patients.[2]