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Article Series: Skin Cancer
Help Me Understand Skin Cancer
Actinic
Keratosis (Skin Cancer)
- Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
The term 'actinic keratosis' is a reference
to a skin abnormality or lesion that may develop due
to excessive sun damage. The name is derived from the fact that this condition
springs from the keratinocyte cells which make up the majority
of the epidermis cells. They can have the appearance of a crusty,
scaly sort of lump that grows to about 2mm to 4mm in circumference.
They rise up from the upper layer of the epidermis. The base
of the lesion may be a combination of colors such as light
or dark tan, pink, red or even remain the color of your skin.
The crusty and scaly type surface of these lesions make them
normally dry to the touch and at times may they feel itchy
or prickly. As they are evidence of irritated skin cells they
can at times become inflamed and very red in appearance. They
only rarely bleed.
These lesions or spots can typically appear on any area of
the skin that is exposed to the sun, such as the face, the
backs of the hands or the forearms. Individuals who are fair
skinned, with light colored eyes and blond or red hair are
higher at risk because they lack the necessary pigment in the
skin that serves to protect it. However, darker skinned people
are at risk if they receive too much sun exposure as well.
The significance of this type of skin problem is that it can
a precursor to developing skin cancer. While it appears that
most of the time these lesions will not become cancer - some
scientists believe that it is in fact the first stage of the
second most common type of skin cancer - that of squamous cell
carcinoma. So in essence, these lesions may serve as a warning
sign that some action should be taken before matters get worse.
It is recommended that an individual ask their doctor to take
a look to confirm a diagnosis.
The type of treatment given for this condition will depend
on certain factors such as the location of the lesion, the
size of it, whether or not it appears to be altering toward
malignancy and whether or not a treatment is available or even
preferred by the patient.
Some of the options that may be considered include: Cryosurgery,
where liquid nitrogen is gently applied to the surface to freeze
the lesion. Generally the lesion will either shrink or become
crusted and fall off and thus require no surgery. This is the
most common approach.
Curettage and desiccation, which is a minor surgical application
where local anesthesia is used and the lesion is cut out and
the area is sealed with an electrocautery needle. This procedure
may be indicated if there is reason to believe the lesion is
becoming cancerous.
The use of creams and medications when the lesions are numerous.
The patient may be required to follow a regime for a period
of time.
Other options may include chemical peeling or laser surgery
which is useful for more difficult areas to reach and/or if
the patient has a bleeding disorder.
While it is of some concern to notice this condition it is
encouraging to know that it is easily treatable and for the
majority of people it will not developed into something more
serious. Nonetheless, it is recommended that an individual
act on the side of caution and have anything that looks unusual
checked out by a doctor.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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