What is Actinic Keratosis (AK) (continued)
The presence of AK lesions is a risk factor for sBCC; up to 16% of AKs may progress to sBCC1. 82.4% of cutaneous sBCCs have been found to have concomitant AK giving rise to and/or in close proximity to sBCC2. The risk of developing sBCC increases as the number of AK lesions increases3. It cannot be predicted which AK lesions, or whether a given AK lesion will develop into sBCC4. AK is an important risk factor for the development of sBCC5. Therefore, all AK lesions should be treated6,7.
1. Glogau RG. The risk of progression to invasive disease. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;42(1 Pt 2):23-4.
2.
Mittelbronn MA, Mullins DL, Ramos-Caro FA, et al. Frequency of pre-existing actinic keratosis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Dermatol 1998;37:677-681.
3. Green A, Battistutta D. Incidence and determinants of skin cancer in a high-risk Australian population. Int J Cancer 1990;46:356-361.
4. Schwartz RA. The actinic keratosis. A perspective and update. Dermatol Surg 1997;23:1009-1019.
5. Salasche SJ. Epidemiology of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;42:4-7.
6. Sterry W and the Guideline Subcommittee of the European Dermatology Forum. Guidelines for the Management of Actinic Keratoses. Expiry Date: 7/2008.
7. Drake LA, Ceilley RI, Cornelison RL, et al. Guidelines of care for actinic keratoses. Committee on Guidelines of Care. J Am Acad Dermatol 1995;32:95-98.