You may know that early detection is the key to successful skin cancer treatment. In some cases, potentially harmful skin growths can be identified and treated before they even become cancerous. These growths, called actinic keratoses, are caused by UV damage to skin, and about one in ten will evolve into skin cancer. Fortunately, an actinic keratosis can easily be removed with various treatments available at Khrom Dermatology in Brooklyn, NY.
This young lady is here for the treatment of an actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis is the damage from the sun and unfortunately most of the damage we see many years later when the damage has been done. What addressing treatments – what we are going to do one of my favorite ones is treat the ones that are not visible as yet. What you do is you use the cream, you clean the face first and then you apply the cream, and then we apply the special cream – and how do we know which parts are the damaged ones? Usually they are red and rough and skinned and you can feel them when you run your fingers. So I am going to put the cream on the spots – that are visible and the facial is already pretreated for the whole face and the patient is going to have the treatment done of the whole face. Then we need to sit for about an hour or so – treat the areas of damage and then we use the special light to activate the special ingredient in the cream. And how often is this treatment done? Ideally maybe you should do it like once a month – because the patient is going to have some down time. Have a bit of redness swelling and peeling from about 2 weeks. I don’t think you shod do it more than that.
Identifying precancerous growths
Actinic keratosis, sometimes referred to as solar keratosis, is a small, slow growing skin lesion. When it first develops, it may not be visible at all, but noticeable to the touch as a slightly raised rough spot. The more actinic keratoses a person has, the greater the risk that they will become cancerous.
Because these lesions appear quite minor, many people assume they are harmless. It is important to know the warning signs and see a dermatologist promptly if you think you may have an actinic keratosis.
- Dry, scaly, or rough lesion, usually less than an inch in diameter
- The spot may be slightly raised or flat, occasionally with a hard surface
- The color can range from red to pink or brown, and sometimes flesh-colored
- The affected area usually burns or itches
- Actinic keratosis is usually found on the face, hands, or other areas with frequent sun exposure
Treatment
Although actinic keratoses do not always become cancerous, there is no way of telling which ones will. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that these growths be removed as preventive treatment. Additionally, people with a history of actinic keratoses should take extra sun protection precautions and undergo frequent cancer screenings.
The best treatment depends on the number and size of actinic keratoses, where on the body they are located, and other factors. They may be removed by surgical excision, laser surgery, skin resurfacing, chemical peeling, or other procedures. After an examination, your provider will discuss what options are available to you and devise a personalized treatment plan.
If you have suspicious lesions or skin growths of any kind, please don’t take chances. Call us at 718-751-0674 and schedule an appointment right away.