An Overview of Actinic Keratoses: Understanding Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Approaches.

Abstract

Actinic keratoses (AK) are common cutaneous lesions located in skin areas chronically exposed to UV radiation, with the potential of progressing into invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Since it is not possible to predict which AK lesions will become SCC or when will that happen, treating all AK is generally recommended. There is a wide range of therapies available for AK and new drug approvals have joined the therapeutic armamentarium in recent years. These changes in the available treatments for AK require a review of the scientific evidence available and the current status of AK diagnosis and management in Spain.