If you have recently been diagnosed with Actinic Keratoses, it’s best to be proactive about your treatment because these spots can be precancerous. Learn more about Actinic Keratosis, its diagnosis, and available treatment options.
What is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic Keratoses, often referred to as AKs, are the most common skin precancer. They are rough, scaly patches that generally appear on individuals over 40 with fair skin, blue or green eyes, and easily freckle or burn in the sun. AKs are also more common for people who live close to the equator, regardless of skin type, because sun exposure is a significant factor in AK development. AKs are far from uncommon; up to 58 million Americans have AKs.
What is the Difference Between Actinic Keratosis and Seborrheic Keratosis?
Seborrheic Keratoses, also known as SKs, are a different type of skin lesion. An SK looks similar to an AK but tends to be darker and more raised. Unlike AKs, SKs are harmless (benign) growths. SKs also tend to be inherited and appear after the age of 50. SKs are more common for those with lighter skin tones, with changes in estrogen levels also playing a role.
Can Actinic Keratosis Become Cancerous?
About 10% of AKs progress into a carcinoma—squamous cell carcinoma. This form of carcinoma is aggressive and can spread to internal organs if left untreated. However, squamous cell carcinoma is also highly curable when found early.
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Diagnosis & Treatment of Actinic Keratosis
If you have a new or concerning spot on your skin, a board certified dermatologist can diagnose what you have with an exam and biopsy, if warranted. Skin cancer, like melanoma, can be extremely serious; a dermatologist will use a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis. Don’t delay making your skin exam appointment; some skin cancers grow and spread quickly.
Treatment options for actinic keratosis vary depending on your budget, insurance coverage, side effect concerns, and more. However, the good news is that AK treatment does not require a prior consultation—in fact, depending on the treatment option you select, your AKs could be treated during your first visit to the office. Here are some of the most common Actinic Keratosis treatments available:
- Cryosurgery: This treatment involves a pinpointed spray of liquid nitrogen on the lesion or application with a cotton-tipped swab.
- At-home topical treatments: Medications like Fluorouracil (Tolak or Efudex), Diclofenac Sodium (Solaraze Gel), and Tirbanibulin (Klisyri) can be used to treat AKs at home. However, they can cause side effects, so your use of these creams and gels must be under the direction of a dermatologist. These creams are chemotherapy drugs that kill abnormal cells that are precancerous and cancerous growths on the face, scalp, arms, or legs. The length of time you need to use a cream or topical solution depends on the type of medication, the location of the lesion(s) and the severity of the AKs.
- Blue light photodynamic therapy: This in-office treatment takes two steps: applying topical medication to your AKs and then sitting in front of a blue light for approximately 15 minutes. This light does not emit UVA or UVB rays. Studies have shown that this treatment is superior to cryosurgery.
- LaseMD Ultra: This fractional laser has little downtime and delivers results quickly. Unlike the above options, it may not be covered by your insurance. However, it is less expensive than other treatments ($400), so depending on your deductible, it may be the more affordable option.
Regardless of which of the above you choose, your treatment will most likely be ongoing. Although AKs can be prevented by using sunscreen and wearing sun-protective clothing, this will likely only reduce the number that appear rather than completely prevent them.
If cost is a concern, you should research how your insurance covers these different treatment options and also consider any deductibles you have for in-office treatments or a pharmacy deductible. Many plans today have high deductibles before the insurance plan begins to pay. Even Original Medicare and some Medicare Advantage plans have deductibles. For example, the annual deductible for Original Medicare in 2024 is $240.
Expert Actinic Keratosis Treatment
If you are concerned about skin lesions or have Actinic Keratosis, call Dr. Golomb today for a skin cancer screening appointment or schedule an appointment online.
Widely considered one of the top dermatologists in Hallandale Beach, Dr. Cynthia Golomb welcomes patients for skin cancer screening and treatment from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, North Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Golden Beach, Pembroke Pines and Hollywood, Fl. Dr. Golomb is triple board certified in Dermatology, Dermatopathology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (Mohs).
