Actinic keratosis
Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- single or multiple scaly macules or plaques
- scaly lesions with a hyperkeratotic surface
- well-defined, scaly, brown lesions
- lesions resembling seborrheic keratosis, melanocytic nevus, and early malignant melanoma
- hypertrophic conical-shaped protuberances growing from the surface of the skin
- scaly red roughness with induration, fissuring, and ulceration of the lower lip to the commissures
- lesion on sun-exposed area of body
- skin-colored, papillomatous, elevated wartlike papules
- plaques with very mild scale over very thin shiny skin
- violaceous well-defined papules with fine white lines on the surface
Other diagnostic factors
- evidence of sun damage to skin
- pruritus or bleeding
Risk factors
- chronic exposure to UVB radiation
- light-colored skin, freckling, and albinism
- age >40 years
- male sex
- immunocompromise
- xeroderma pigmentosum
Diagnostic investigations
Investigations to consider
- dermoscopy
- skin biopsy
Treatment algorithm
confluent scalp lesions
head and face lesions, excluding periorbital, actinic cheilitis, and confluent scalp lesions
periorbital
persistent or severe actinic cheilitis
back of hands
below the knee
Contributors
Authors
Brian Berman, MD, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Miami
Skin & Cancer Associates, LLP
Co-Director
Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research
Aventura
FL
Disclosures
BB has acted as a consultant for Sirnaomics, Pierre Fabre, Pfizer, Lemonex, Novan, Sonoma Pharmaceuticals (with stock options), Sensus, Encore Dermatology, AiViva, Clark Pharmaceutical, Tigercat Pharmaceuticals, Menlo Therapeutics, BMS, Pulse, Almirall, Mediwound, and PHD Biosciences. BB is on the advisory board for Cutanea, Birch BioMed, Ortho Dermatologics/Valeant, TopMD, Novartis, and Smith & Nephew, and has also been a speaker for Novartis.
Sadegh Amini, MD
Dermatologist
Skin and Cancer Associates
Voluntary Assistant Professor
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery
University of Miami
Miller School of Medicine
Miami
FL
Disclosures
SA declares that he owns stock in AbbVie Inc.
Peer reviewers
David S. Cassarino, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Departments of Pathology and Dermatology
UCLA
Los Angeles
CA
Disclosures
DSC declares that he has no competing interests.
Christopher Shea, MD
Dermatopathology Fellowship Director
University of Chicago
Section of Dermatology
Chicago
IL
Disclosures
CS declares that he has no competing interests.
Differentials
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ (Bowen disease)
- Invasive SCC
- Keratoacanthoma
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- Guidelines of care for the management of actinic keratosis
- Guidelines for the care of patients with actinic keratosis
More Guidelines
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