Actinic Keratosis Detection and Treatment
Damage from the sun can result in a precancerous lesion known as actinic keratosis (AK). Actinic Keratoses typically appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, bald scalp, lips, and the back of the hands, and are often elevated, rough in texture, and resemble warts. Most become red, but some will be tan, pink, red, and/or flesh-toned. Untreated AKs may sometimes advance to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
People with a fair complexion, light hair and eyes have a high likelihood of developing one or more of these common precancers if they spend time in the sun and live long enough.
Dr. Ibrahimi has considerable expertise in managing these types of lesions. There are a variety of treatment options available and selection of one depends not only on the number and type of AKs, but also the patient.
For further education on AKs, please consult these excellent resources:
http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/actinic-keratosis
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis