Actinic Keratosis Symptoms, Causes & More
Article Sources
- 1. 'Actinic Keratosis.' The Skin Cancer Foundation, 30 Apr. 2021, www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis
- 2. 'Skin Cancer Types: Squamous Cell Carcinoma Overview.' American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/scc
- 3. 'Actinic Keratosis.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/actinic-keratosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354969
- 4. 'Actinic Keratosis: Signs and Symptoms.' American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/actinic-keratosis-symptoms
- 5. 'Actinic Keratosis: Diagnosis and Treatment.' American Academy of Dermatology, [www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/actinic-keratosis-treatment.](http://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/actinic-keratosis-treatment.)
- 6. 'Actinic Keratosis.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/actinic-keratosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354975
Curettage & Laser Resurfacing
To manage a thick actinic keratosis, a doctor may use curettage, scraping away the precancerous cells. They finish the procedure using electrodesiccation, which heats and destroys any remaining AK cells.
Laser resurfacing is another procedure that uses a laser to destroy an area of precancerous cells. A week or two later, healthy new skin appears. Doctors may find this to be a suitable option for actinic keratosis appearing on the lips.5‘Actinic Keratosis: Diagnosis and Treatment.’ American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/actinic-keratosis-treatment.
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