Actinic Keratosis (AK)

The Most Common Pre-Cancer

What causes AK?

Chronic exposure to sunlight causes the condition. The likelihood of developing AK is highest in regions near the equator. Also known as solar keratosis, an AK is a small, crusty, scaly or crumbly bump or horn that arises on the skin surface. Occasionally, it can itch or produce a pricking sensation. The colors range from light to dark, tan, pink and red. The lesion develops slowly and can grow to an inch. AKs are most likely to appear on areas most often exposed to sunshine. AK is the most common type of precancerous skin lesion. Once AK has been diagnosed, it is vital to treat it to avoid its transformation into SCC.

Who gets AK?

People at highest risk have fair skin, blond or red hair and light eyes. Darker-skinned people can develop AKs if exposed to the sun without protection. Individuals with immune systems weakened by chemotherapy, AIDS or organ transplants are also at higher risk. Older people are most likely to develop AK lesions. Some experts believe that the majority of people who live to the age of 80 will have AKs. However, with a considerable amount of our lifetime sun exposure occurring before age 20, those statistics are beginning to change significantly.

What are the four  warning signs of AK?

R                 Scattered, thickened, red scaly patches on the back of the hand

R                  Multiple crusted lesions, ranging in color from red to brown, on the cheek and ear

R                  Small red bumps and small tan crusts (multiple keratoses) on forehead and scalp (balding scalps are at high risk)

R                  Fissures filled with dried blood and large keratoses covered with horny scales which often develop on the lower lip

	Examples of	Actinic Keratosis (AK)