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| Definition: | A precancerous skin growth usually caused by sun exposure.
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| Alternative Names: | Solar keratosis; Sun-induced skin changes - keratosis; Keratosis - actinic (solar)
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: | Actinic keratosis occurs most commonly in fair skin, especially in the elderly and in young individuals with light complexions. The growths occur in sun-exposed skin areas. The growths begin as flat scaly areas that later develop a hard wart-like surface. They are classified as precancerous growths. If left untreated, approximately 10% of actinic keratoses develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
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Review Date: 7/28/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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