Question 1

what is bowenoid actinic keratosis? same as bowens disease?

Accepted Answer

Bowen disease: Bowenoid actinic keratosis is in-situ squamous cell carcinoma arising in actinic keratosis. Yes, it is also known as bowen disease. This is the earliest form (stage) of squamous cell skin cancer.

Question 2

what are symptoms of actinic keratosis?

Accepted Answer

Actinic Keraotsis: Actinic keratoses arise in chronically sun exposed sites, such as the backs of the hands, forearms and face. They usually present as rough scaly or crusty slightly red bumps on the skin. Sometimes, these lesions can be felt more than they can be seen. A rough patch on a sun exposed area may all that you notice.

Question 3

who is at generally risk for actinic keratosis?

Accepted Answer

H/o sunburns: Actinic keratoses are precancerous lesions caused by excessive sun exposure.  The more sunburns you've had, the more risk of developing ak's.

Question 4

is laser actinic keratosis removal possible?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Actinic keratoses are pre-cancerous skin lesions caused by sun exposure. Various treatments can be used, including liquid nitrogen (freezing), topical creams (imiquimod, fluoruracil, others), curettage (scraping), and medium-depth chemical peels. Laser treatments include co2 laser ablation and photodynamic therapy (laser treatment after application of a medication to the skin).

Question 5

is a small rough whitish patch of skin always actinic keratosis?

Accepted Answer

No: A rough white patch of skin could be attributed to many possibilities including sun damage, actinic keratosis, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, superficial skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma), tinea (fungal infection).

Question 6

i heard actinic keratosis is pre-cancerous. how long would it take one to turn into ca?

Accepted Answer

Varies: This is like asking how long it takes a child to turn into an adult, in some ways. It takes much longer for a 2 year old to turn into an adult than a teenager. We think it takes a number of years to convert, but I have seen patients treated for an actinic keratosis return with a squamous cancer in that area in less than a year. Was it really an actinic keratosis or was it an early squamous cell?

Question 7

how can i make actinic keratosis go away?

Accepted Answer

Dermatologist appt: Unfortunately there is no studied over the counter treatment for actinic keratosis (ak). Since ak is a form of precancer, it is important to have it treated before it progresses. There are available treatments through a dermatologist that are effective (some topical, some freezing technique).

Question 8

how is actinic keratosis usually diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Clinical exam: Actinic keratoses are early precancerous lesions caused primarily by sun exposure over time.  They are usually diagnosed by your dermatologist on clinical exam.  In some cases a more advanced lesion may be biopsied to make sure it has not progressed to skin cancer.

Question 9

what does actinic keratosis usually look like?

Accepted Answer

Scaly red papules: Actinic keratosis is a premalignant lesion that over time can evolve into squamous or basal cell carcinomas.  They are usually small persistent crusty or scaly pink-red bumps. These are typically treated with liquid nitrogen destruction or topical creams such as Efudex or aldara (imiquimod).

Question 10

do all cases of actinic keratosis turn into scc?

Accepted Answer

No: In fact, relatively few of them do so.  However, if you have been diagnosed with an ak, it is best to make sure you follow the recommended schedule of appointments with the doctor following your skin health. If you notice ulceration, bleeding, itching, or sudden spreading of an ak, get it checked out asap.

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Doctor answers about:

Bowenoid actinic keratosis

A member asked:

What is bowenoid actinic keratosis? same as bowens disease?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of actinic keratosis?

A member asked:

Who is at generally risk for actinic keratosis?

A member asked:

Is laser actinic keratosis removal possible?

A member asked:

Is a small rough whitish patch of skin always actinic keratosis?

A member asked:

I heard actinic keratosis is pre-cancerous. how long would it take one to turn into ca?

A member asked:

How can i make actinic keratosis go away?

A member asked:

How is actinic keratosis usually diagnosed?

A member asked:

What does actinic keratosis usually look like?

A member asked:

Do all cases of actinic keratosis turn into scc?

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