ASK AN EXPERT: WHAT HAPPENS IF ACTINIC KERATOSIS IS LEFT UNTREATED?

Answered by Dr. Saria Mahveen Shareef

MBBS, PGDCC, Spl Cardiology · 6 years of experience · India

Actinic keratoses are small, scaly, red areas on sun-exposed sites that show focal areas of dysplasia on histological examination. It is a very common cause of pre-cancer. If left untreated, lesions may progress into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. You may also experience other serious complications like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, actinic cheilitis. Hence, it is important to get it treated as soon as possible to avoid complications.

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Answered by Dr. Veena Reddy

MBBS · 6 years of experience · India

Actinic keratosis causes rough, scaly skin patches. If left untreated, it can lead to skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. People with actinic keratosis are also at risk of developing actinic cheilitis. Basal cell carcinoma and melanoma may develop.

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Answered by Dr. Marcelle Freire

Doctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience · Brazil

Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch on the skin caused by years of sun exposure. The transformation rate for squamous cell carcinoma is low, however it is a marker of excessive sun exposure during life, increasing the chance of skin cancer in general. Treatment may involve cryotherapy, curettage, topical agents, all depending on the location, number of lesions and characteristics of the lesion.

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