Actinic Keratosis
(Skin Precancer)

Actinic keratosis are precancerous skin lesions that have a risk of progressing to squamous cell cancer.  They are more common as one ages, but can be seen in young people as well.

These look like rough, scaling growths that are common in sun exposed locations on the body. It is common to see this in St. Louis.  Actinic keratoses are caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin.

Actinic keratosis should be evaluated by your doctor to make sure that there are no features concerning for a skin cancer.

Treatment Options: 

The most common treatment of these is liquid nitrogen therapy where a nitrogen is applied on the lesion to stimulate an inflammatory response that destroys the precancerous cells. 

Alternative treatments are also available and include a topical 5-fluorouracil cream or other topical therapies.

Your dermatologist will discuss the risks and benefits of each option.