http://www.menstuff.org/logos/actinickeratoses.jpgActinic keratosis is usually the first step leading to squamous cell carcinoma and therefore known as precancer. Actinic keratosis is the most common precancer and affects more than 10 million people. It is most commonly found in people with fair complexions, blond or red hair, and blue, green, or grey eyes who spend time in the sun. The incidence is greater in men and people who live close to the equator [2].
While most cases of actinic keratosis remain benign, there is a 10 percent chance that it may progress into squamous cell carcinoma. Although this may seem like a small percentage, 40 to 60 percent of squamous cell carcinomas come from untreated actinic keratosis. About 2 to 10 percent of squamous cell carcinoma metastasize to other organs and are life-threatening [2].
Actinic keratosis appears as a scaly or crusty growth. It usually appears on the bald scalp, face, ears, lips, backs of hands, and forearms, shoulders, neck or any other areas of the of the body that are exposed to a lot of sunlight. In the beginning it appears small and can only be recognized by touch. It feels like sandpaper and there are usually the same number of invisible lesions as visible ones. In the earlier stages, it can also disappear and reappear later before turning red. Some may become light or dark tan, pink, or a combination of colors in the later stages [2].
Actinic keratosis develops very slowly and can reach to a quarter of an inch. It can feel itchy or produce a pricking or tender sensation. It can also become inflamed and surrounded by redness. Keratosis rarely appears by itself. Usually if there is one, there are many more. However, the more keratosis that accumulates, the greater the chance it may turn into skin cancer [2].
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