
Procedural and Surgical Dermatology
Actinic Keratosis (Pre-Cancerous Growths)
- These growths typically appear as light pink or pale gray scaly “bumps” on sun exposed areas of the skin. They can sometimes itch or feel “irritated”. If not treated they can continue to grow into hard horn-like protrusions and progress to develop into a skin cancer.
- Chronic exposure to UV radiation from the sun induces DNA damage to the cells in the top layer of the skin (keratinocytes). With time, these abnormal cells replicate and accumulate, forming these small growths pre-cancerous growths.
- Treatment of these lesions depends on how many are present in a given location. Individual or a few lesions can be “frozen” with liquid nitrogen. More extensive involvement is best treated with “field” treatment using creams or chemical peels.
Medical treatment: | Procedures: |
5-fluorouracil (Efudex) | Liquid nitrogen (“freezing”) |
Imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) | Chemical peels |
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Sitemap | Privacy Policy |
The content on this website is provided solely for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a physician regarding any specific medical concerns or treatment options. Our goal is to empower you with information that can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare. If you have a vision impairment or other disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or similar legislation, and you would like to discuss possible accommodations for website accessibility, please reach out to us at (860) 339-6606.