pictures of actinic keratosis skin cancer

Cryotherapy may be a good option for benign lesions, such as actinic keratosis. They appear gradually, usually on the face, neck, chest or back. (2021). People with fair skin are more likely to develop actinic keratoses on sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, hands, back of the neck, and upper chest. Avoid unprotected UV exposure. Or, it may be different in color, such as pink, red, gray, or darker brown, depending on your skin tone. But because this risk is low, treatments are generally aimed at avoiding scars or other disfiguring marks as much as possible. It is the result of skin damage from UV exposure. I rarely used sunscreen at all. Then in 2013, while at an appointment with a dermatologist, she was told she had actinic keratosis (AK), a pre-cancerous growth caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation. I rarely used sunscreen at all. Then in 2013, while at an appointment with a dermatologist, she was told she had actinic keratosis (AK), a pre-cancerous growth caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Only about 10 percent of actinic keratoses will eventually become cancerous, but the majority of SCCs do begin as AKs. Should that change be an AK, you have a greater risk of developing skin cancer. JodiJacobson / Getty Images. Actinic keratosis: Signs and symptoms. Sit to check the back of the legs, calf, and underneath your feet with the mirror, Dr. Rodney says. These are: In order to diagnose either actinic keratosis or BCC, a dermatologist will first take your medical history. Both actinic keratosis and BCC are mainly caused by exposure to UV radiation. WebPrevent skin cancer. Your treatment may vary depending on if you have actinic keratosis or BCC. Cryotherapy for skin cancer is the use of liquid nitrogen to destroy a lesion. Skin biopsy, Scalp carcinoma, pigmented basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of sun induced skin cancer. Actinic keratoses tend to appear as smaller patches of rough-feeling skin, for example, while seborrheic keratoses may resemble a wart or mole. Image 2: Getty Images References Ceilley RI, Jorizzo JL. The outlook for both people with actinic keratosis and those with BCC is best when its found and treated early. You may see a scaly pimple-like bump or patch of skin that is: Red or pink Skin-colored Gray An actinic keratosis (AK) develops when skin has been badly damaged by ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or indoor tanning. WebSkin cancer. Refer to these skin cancer pictures during your next self-exam. Related searches: actinic keratosis skin keratosis solar keratosis WebLifelong skin cancer exams can be life-saving. Topical creams, gels and solutions are prescribed for use in patients with numerous or widespread actinic keratoses. These lesions most commonly appear on the: Actinic keratoses develop over several years. Duncan KO, Geisse JK, et al. The kinetics of skin cancer: Progression of actinic keratosis to squamous cell carcinoma. Learn. The outlook for people with BCC is very good when its diagnosed early. Overview. This is called Bowens disease, a very early squamous cell skin cancer that is only in the epidermis. WebActinic keratoses (plural of actinic keratosis) describes lesions on the outer skin layer caused by too much exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight. This can be treated with cryosurgery or certain ointments. WebActinic keratosis (AK), sometimes called solar keratosis or senile keratosis, is a pre-cancerous area of thick, scaly, or crusty skin. Which Neutrogena Sunscreens Were Recalled? Created 2007. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. If you notice one actinic keratosis, it is likely that you have others. Cryotherapy may be a good option for benign lesions, such as actinic keratosis. Jill Biden and Skin Cancer: What to Know About Risks, Screenings, and Surgery, Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Nose: Types, Identification, and Treatment, Skin Cancer: New Moderna Vaccine Shows Promise for Melanoma Treatment, How to Recognize and Treat Actinic Keratosis on Your Face, patch of irritated skin thats dry and scaly, and may also itch or hurt, round lesion with raised edges and a depressed center, bump that appears shiny or pearly in comparison with the surrounding skin, flat, firm, and waxy area that has a scar-like appearance, sore that doesnt heal and may ooze or crust over, living in a part of the world that receives a lot of sunlight, having a previous history of actinic keratosis or BCC, having specific inherited conditions, including, whether or not you have a previous history of actinic keratosis or skin cancer, excision, which involves cutting out the lesion along with a small area of healthy skin, the location, size, and number of lesions. Read more about the causes, treatments, and symptoms of seborrheic keratoses . It's also common to have harmless brown spots or "liver spots." WebActinic keratosis develops slowly. If you notice one actinic keratosis, it is likely that you have others. WebThere are many types of skin cancer, each of which can look different on the skin. WebThere are many types of skin cancer, each of which can look different on the skin. Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses). WebActinic Keratosis Pictures Home About Skin Cancer Prevention Treatment & Care Skin Cancer Pictures & Articles Actinic Keratosis Pictures As you open an image you can use the play button to start/pause the slide show or use the arrows to navigate between the images. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. WebLifelong skin cancer exams can be life-saving. SIZE Seborrheic keratosis and actinic keratosis both cause skin growths, but actinic keratosis may become cancerous. Related to actinic keratosis, actinic cheilitis is a precancerous condition that usually appears on the lower lips. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief. In pictures of actinic keratosis, you'll see they are typically pink, scaly, and flat. You already know that spending too much time in the sun without applying sunscreen can boost your chances of skin cancerbut there are tons of other risk factors to keep on your radar, too. An actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous skin growth that develops on skin thats been badly damaged by ultraviolet (UV) light from: The sun. Scaly, white patches on one (or both) lips. Actinic keratosis is a precancer, meaning that it can serve as a warning sign for future skin cancer. WebActinic keratoses are lesions in the outer skin layer caused by too much exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight. It's hard to tell which actinic keratoses will develop into skin cancer, so they're usually removed as a precaution. (2020). Raise awareness. BCC is another type of skin cancer. If detected early, actinic keratoses can be treated before they develop into skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Actinic Keratoses affecting the face. 2007 Interactive Medical Media LLC. Basal cell carcinoma. LOCATION Frequently on ultraviolet (UV) exposed areas including the face, lips, ears, scalp, shoulders, neck, back of the hands and forearms. Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common precancer that forms on skin damaged by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and/or indoor tanning. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Reinehr CPH, et al. Cryotherapy is used when there are only a few lesions to treat, and the lesions have clear borders. Your doctor will look in areas you may not, like your scalp and nails, she says. Image 2: Getty Images References Ceilley RI, Jorizzo JL. It also treats thin non-melanoma skin cancer. An actinic keratosis is a precancerous growth on the skin that forms due to long-term exposure to UV light. When actinic keratosis appears on the lips, you may notice that your lips have become dry and scaly. Images Image 1: Getty Prevalence and awareness of actinic keratosis: barriers and opportunities. J Am Acad Dermatol. AKs often appear as small dry, scaly or crusty patches of skin. SIZE Dimensions vary from a tiny spot to as much as an inch in diameter. Webactinic keratosis skin keratosis solar keratosis 653 Keratosis Premium High Res Photos Browse 653 keratosis stock photos and images available, or search for actinic keratosis or skin keratosis to find more great stock photos and pictures. Then, well break down how each condition is diagnosed and treated. Thats why its so crucial to see skin cancer pictures to get a visual. Actinic Keratoses affecting the face. Actinic Keratosis: 12 of 14 Extensive sun damage and AK. actinic keratosis stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. In pictures of actinic keratosis, you'll see they are typically pink, scaly, and flat. However, in rare cases, its possible for BCC to spread deeper into surrounding tissues or to more distant parts of your body. 2013;68 (1):98-102. WebActinic keratosis may be solitary but there are often multiple keratoses. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. actinic keratosis stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Youll find out what else may increase your risk of developing AKs at, Actinic keratosis: Causes. Seborrheic keratoses are usually brown, black or light tan. For photos and information on actinic keratosis warning signs and symptoms, visit our Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs page. It tends to lie flat against the skin of the head and neck, but appears as But skin cancers can look different from these examples. Unfortunately, theres no way to tell which AKs will become dangerous, so monitoring and treating any Limiting time in the sun helps prevent the formation of actinic keratoses. You may see a scaly pimple-like bump or patch of skin that is: Red or pink Skin-colored Gray The outlook for people with actinic keratosis and BCC can depend on many factors, such as: Regardless of which condition you have; youll need to continue to follow up regularly with your dermatologist after treatment. WebActinic keratoses (AKs) or solar keratoses are superficial tumors consisting of proliferations of abnormal skin cells that develop in response to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Actinic keratosis symptoms: These lesions often occur on the face, lips, ears, back of the hands, and arms, but can form on other areas exposed to UV light. If left untreated, it could develop into squamous cell Related searches: actinic keratosis skin keratosis solar keratosis This type of skin cancer (also known as neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin) begins in merkel cells, which are found in the epidermis. A rough-feeling patch on skin that's had lots of sun. In pictures of actinic keratosis, you'll see they are typically pink, scaly, and flat. Seek shade and protect your skin against UV exposure every day, even when its cloudy, using broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun safe clothing, hats and eyewear. The right self-care can help to prevent new AKs and skin cancer. WebSkin cancer. (2021). (2020). Actinic keratoses tend to appear as smaller patches of rough-feeling skin, for example, while seborrheic keratoses may resemble a wart or mole. Actinic keratoses affecting the nose. Prevention is to cut sun exposure and wear sunscreen.Treatments include performing cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen), cutting the keratoses away, burning them, putting 5-fluorouracil on them, and using photodynamic therapy (injecting WebActinic keratosis is a precancer, or a skin abnormality that could lead to cancer that forms when cells in the top layer of skin begin to grow abnormally. Skin cancer, back to basics: Actinic keratosis. In lesions that do progress to SCC, progression can take about 2 years, according to older research. LOCATION They appear gradually, usually on the face, neck, chest or back. WebActinic keratosis is usually considered to be a pre-cancer. Merkel cell carcinoma symptoms: Merkel cell carcinoma is most common on the face, neck, arms, and legs, but can pop up anywhere on the body. A history of burning rather than tanning also increases risk. WebActinic keratosis affecting the face images. Basal cell carcinoma forms in basal cells, which are found in the lower part of your epidermis (the top layer of your skin). Her treatment is a reminder of the importance of regular skin, Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and treatable type of skin cancer. Rare Skin Cancers Please visit our Rare skin cancers page for more information and pictures of rare skin cancers such as: Youll find the self-care that dermatologists recommend at, Actinic keratosis: Self-care. As the above pictures show, AKs come in many colors. Many scaly, raised spots on the skin that may look like a rash or acne breakout. Mark Lebwohl, MD, Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs and Images. You can find out more about cookies on our Privacy Policy page. Complete the form and you may end up on our website. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin. Scattered thick, scaly, red patches on the back of the hand. This picture gallery contains some examples of the more common types of skin cancer, as well as some other non-cancerous types of skin growths. Actinic keratosis is caused by cumulative skin damage from repeated exposure to ultraviolet light, including that found in sunshine. Do you know which one? A board-certified dermatologist should examine any horn-like growth on your skin ASAP. 1,2. Included is detail on types of hyperkeratosis and when to see a, Black spots on the lips can indicate many things, from vitamin deficiency and dehydration to a variety of skin conditions. Because actinic keratosis can turn into SCC, its important to receive treatment. These growths may appear as bumps, scales, or patches of rough, crusty skin. The affected area can also vary in color. This damage usually comes from the sun or tanning beds. > Go to the image library. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Medicines If you have several actinic keratoses, your health care provider might prescribe a medicated cream or gel to remove them, such as fluorouracil (Carac, Efudex others), imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) or diclofenac. Without treatment, AK can lead to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. If you have an actinic keratosis, commonly called an age spot, your dermatologist may prescribe medication to treat this condition at home. It tends to lie flat against the skin of the head and neck, but appears as .css-1pm21f6{display:block;font-family:AvantGarde,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1pm21f6:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}Face Sunscreens for Every Skin Type, Teddi Mellencamp Reveals Stage 2 Melanoma, Keep Your Kids Safe With These Gentle Sunscreens, The Best Sunscreens for Darker Skin Tones, The 14 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin, The Best Self-Tanners for a Sun-Kissed Glow. Cryotherapy may be a good option for benign lesions, such as actinic keratosis. (n.d.). WebActinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis) is the most common precancer. Sometimes, they may have white patches on them or lose their color. If theres one good thing about skin cancer, its that you can spot it yourselfif you know what to look for. LOCATION Frequently on ultraviolet (UV) exposed areas including the face, lips, ears, scalp, shoulders, neck, back of the hands and forearms. WebWhen an actinic keratosis appears in this form, it often indicates that the person has a higher risk of developing a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. For photos, go to our warning signs page. These are often yearly but will be more frequent for people with compromised immune function. A hand mirror. Home Skin Cancer Information Actinic Keratosis. This is estimated to occur in 5% to 15% of people who have surgery for BCC. They may be red, light or dark tan, white, pink, flesh-toned or a combination of colors and are sometimes raised. 2012;66(2):173-84. It is also known as solar keratosis. Skin biopsy, Scalp carcinoma, pigmented basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of sun induced skin cancer. Dermatologists team up to improve patient care, JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication, Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness, Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use. Developing an actinic keratosis increases a persons risk of skin cancer. It is often treated because it might turn into squamous cell skin cancer. There are several different types of skin cancer with Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Bowens Disease, Keratoacanthoma, Actinic Keratosis and Melanoma most commonly occurring.. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, and least 2013;68 (1):98-102. WebRF 2GN41YD Lesions and scabs of actinic keratosis or sunspots on sun-damaged skin on a man's wrist. WebWhat do actinic keratoses look like? This article details the causes, symptoms, and treatment of actinic keratosis. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding. Topical creams, gels and solutions are prescribed for use in patients with numerous or widespread actinic keratoses. Images 3,4,5,6,7,8,10: Used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: Image 3: J Am Acad Dermatol. Is actinic keratosis skin cancer? But there's a small chance they could become skin cancer, so it's important to avoid further damage to your skin. Actinic Keratoses affecting the face. (2014). Learn more about these, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. 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There are several different types of skin cancer with Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Bowens Disease, Keratoacanthoma, Actinic Keratosis and Melanoma most commonly occurring.. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, and least Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. WebActinic keratoses are lesions in the outer skin layer caused by too much exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight. Later, a visible AK appeared on his sandpaper-like patch of skin. Image 6: J Am Acad Dermatol. The patches are not usually serious. People tend to get more of them as they get older. Topical creams, gels and solutions are prescribed for use in patients with numerous or widespread actinic keratoses. Limiting time in the sun helps prevent the formation of actinic keratoses. In some areas where climate is mild year-round -- like Florida and California -- these lesions appear in much younger people, even teenagers. BCC is slow growing, but if its left untreated, it can progress to an advanced stage. They also use tools like a dermatoscope to give them a closer look at the mole so they can find specific features they were trained to detect. Mole changes are hard to detect with the untrained eye and no one will be better at detecting these changes than your dermatologist, Dr. Rodney says. Because of their rough texture, actinic keratoses are often easier to feel than see. Skin may feel dry and rough to the touch, or raw, sensitive and painful, or even itchy with a pricking or burning sensation. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. On average, you should look at your moles every month to ensure they are not changing as this could be a sign of a pre-cancerous or cancerous mole, says board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, M.D., founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics. The large majority of these are BCC. For photos, go to our warning signs page. 1,2. Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous skin lesion, and more than 40 million Americans a year develop one, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association . (2022). Related to actinic keratosis, actinic cheilitis is a precancerous condition that usually appears on the lower lips. WebSkin Cancer Pictures by Type. AKs more commonly look like age spots in people who have skin of color. They can do tests to determine if its benign, precancerous, or cancerous. Actinic Keratoses affecting the face. As the above pictures show, AKs come in many colors. A person should take proper precautions when outside, such as: It is also important to remember that this condition may occur from any UV light source, including indoor tanning beds. Thats why its best to play it safe and see your dermatologist if you think you may have an AK. The most likely location for an this precancer is sun-exposed skin. Actinic keratosis can also recur after treatment or after regressing. AKs often appear as small dry, scaly or crusty patches of skin. Like actinic keratosis, its also possible for BCC to recur after treatment. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about two out of every 10 cases, the ACS says. 2007;56(1):125-43. An actinic keratosis is a precancerous growth on the skin. They are believed Because of their rough texture, actinic keratoses are often easier to feel than see. This is typically recommended when a lesion cant be treated surgically. WebWhen an actinic keratosis appears in this form, it often indicates that the person has a higher risk of developing a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. WebActinic keratosis develops slowly. The following pictures show what different types of skin cancer look like, as well as how to differentiate between them. Dermatology. For photos, go to our warning signs page. What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers? Actinic cheilitis is a variant of AK that arises on the lower lip. TEXTURE Anyone who has AKs should be under a dermatologists care. An actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure. How to Spot Different Types of Skin Cancer, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Flat, firm, or pale and yellowish areas that resemble a scar, Pearly, translucent, or shiny bumps or spots, Red or pink raised patches that may also itch, Open scabs or sores that dont heal or heal and come back, Oozing or crusted areas that bleed easily, Raised bumps that may have a lower area in the center, Open sores or scabs that dont heal or heal and come back, Flat or slightly raised patch on the top layer of the skin, Pink, red, or purple bump that may be shiny, Fast-growing, painless bump thats firm to the touch, Broken skin on top may break open and bleed. Most skin cancer diagnoses are either basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). She adds, they can also take a sample of the molea biopsyto look under a microscope to get a final diagnosis. Skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers there is, but can be one of the most dangerous as people often dont detect them until its too late, Dr. Rodney says. If you have a spot that looks concerning or youre unsure, Dr. Rodney recommends taking a picture to keep track of it and see if its evolving. Anyone can develop actinic keratoses over time. Mohs surgery is a highly successful outpatient procedure used to treat and cure various forms of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma. WebRF 2GN41YD Lesions and scabs of actinic keratosis or sunspots on sun-damaged skin on a man's wrist. Some AKs look and feel inflamed. The physician applies these creams and gels directly to affected areas of the skin to treat visible It most likely appears on areas of skin often exposed to the sun. Mark Lebwohl, MD 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. First lady Jill Biden is undergoing Mohs surgery to remove a skin lesion above her eye. (2020). Thicker lesions need to be carefully evaluated to be sure that skin cancer is not present. WebActinic keratosis is a precancer, or a skin abnormality that could lead to cancer that forms when cells in the top layer of skin begin to grow abnormally. Its estimated prevalence in the United States is about 20%. An actinic keratosis is a precancerous growth on the skin. These lesions are also called senile keratoses. Actinic Keratoses affecting the face. Next, theyll do a skin exam where theyll examine the lesion as well as the rest of your skin. Cryotherapy is used when there are only a few lesions to treat, and the lesions have clear borders. WebRed, tan, pink, skin-colored, brown or silvery. Many actinic keratosis lesions remain stable and never progress to SCC. Actinic keratoses affecting the nose. The composition of treatment plans will vary depending on the persons preference and the severity of their symptoms. It is often treated because it might turn into squamous cell skin cancer. Causes of actinic keratosis. WebActinic keratosis may be solitary but there are often multiple keratoses. 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. WebWhat do actinic keratoses look like? Actinic keratosis: Who gets and causes. WebActinic keratosis (AK) is a skin disorder that causes rough, scaly patches of skin. These cancers form in squamous cells, which are the flat cells that constantly shed in the outer part of your epidermis. For photos and information on actinic keratosis warning signs and symptoms, visit our Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs page. A flat or thickened papule, or plaque White or yellow; scaly, warty, or horny surface Skin coloured, red, or pigmented Tender or asymptomatic pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17760601/ Key statistics for basal and squamous cell carcinoma. How are actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma treated? Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Webactinic keratosis skin keratosis solar keratosis 653 Keratosis Premium High Res Photos Browse 653 keratosis stock photos and images available, or search for actinic keratosis or skin keratosis to find more great stock photos and pictures. These cells are located in the upper part of the top layer of your skin, called the epidermis. WebWhat is actinic keratosis? Check yourself head to toe once a month: Keep an eye out for new, changing or unusual spots or lesions that persist, grow or bleed. (2022). WebCryotherapy. Real-world assessment and treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma: Findings from the RegiSONIC disease registry. The main methods of prevention of actinic keratosis are through lifestyle changes. The table below can help you to better compare the symptoms of actinic keratitis and BCC. Last medically reviewed on November 28, 2022. These can be critical in stopping the condition from progressing to cancer. We use cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/actinic-keratosis-symptoms, journals.lww.com/jdnaonline/Fulltext/2020/11000/Skin_Cancer,_Back_to_Basics__Actinic_Keratosis.3.aspx, jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(21)00502-8/fulltext, cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6939186/, journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0262151, cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4112263/, cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/treating/basal-cell-carcinoma.html, nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/treatment/, cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/what-is-basal-and-squamous-cell.html, curemelanoma.org/patient-eng/melanoma-treatment/adjuvant-therapy, 5 Prescription Treatments for Removing Actinic Keratosis at Home, Everything You Need to Know About Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer, Mohs Surgery for Basal Cell Carcinoma: Before and After Treatment. Cryotherapy for skin cancer is the use of liquid nitrogen to destroy a lesion. Images This article was medically reviewed by Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board, in August 2022. We avoid using tertiary references. But skin cancers can look different from these examples. An actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure. A dry, scaly lip that never heals (or heals and returns). If you have an actinic keratosis (AK) on your skin, you have one of the most common skin conditions that dermatologists treat. A flat or thickened papule, or plaque White or yellow; scaly, warty, or horny surface Skin coloured, red, or pigmented Tender or asymptomatic Thats incredibly important: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more cases diagnosed every year than all other cancers combined. early signs of actinic keratosis is important because these precancers can be treated and removed before they turn into cancer. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. When an AK appears in this form, it often indicates that the person has a higher risk of developing a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.