Question 1

how long does it typically take a cancerous actinic keratosis to turn into cancer?

Accepted Answer

Months to years: Actinic keratosis is precancerous.  The full transformation into skin cancer is a result of multiple number of relevant mutations that "tips" it over to become cancerous.  Thus, if an actinic keratosis happens to have most of the mutations except one additional before it turns into skin cancer, it may only take a month of additional uv exposure before that happens.

Question 2

how long does it take for actinic keratosis to turn into cancer?

Accepted Answer

It varies.: This is the precursor to squamous cell cancer of the skin.  For this to become cancer sooner versus later, it would depend on the susceptability of the person and the exposure to sunlight and other factrors that cause it to become malignant.  If a person has fair skin and is exposed to uv light and ionizing radiation, they are more likely to have any actinic keratosis turn into cancer faster.

Question 3

actinic keratosis 2 small on back whats the treatment? its been there for more than 2 years not growing in size does it turn into cancer?

Accepted Answer

: The treatment is to have them removed. They can turn to cancer.

Question 4

squamous cell skin cancer or actinic keratosis? im confused. my doctor said i have actinic keratosis. then he started talking about squamous cell skin cancer and how to treat it. so, do i have skin cancer or not?

Accepted Answer

Actinic : Actinic keratosis are the precursor to squamous cell carcinoma and it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference. This is why your doctor may want to biopsy the lesions. Please discuss this with your doctor. I'm sure that he/she would be happy to explain what you have.

Question 5

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 6

is seborrheic keratosis a malignant skin cancer tumor?

Accepted Answer

No: No.
Often sk's appear/increase as people age.

Question 7

is a seborrheic keratosis is a malignant skin cancer tumor or benign?

Accepted Answer

Benign: Sk's are easily confused for skin cancers due to their large size, irregular shape, and being multicolored. A trained dermatologist can easily spot the difference but very confusing for patients and other doctors. People can have hundreds or even thousands of sk's on their body and they are all benign. But having these cover the body may make it difficult to monitor for skin cancers.

Question 8

what is a  solar lentigines? new, flat, very light tan spot on cheek bone.  at skin cancer screening, dr said not keratosis.  said keep an eye on it.

Accepted Answer

Sun Damage: Lentigines are due to localised proliferation of melanocytes. The most common type, solar lentigines, arise in middle age and also result from sun damage (age spots). They are most often found on the face and hands, and are larger and more defined than freckles. Lentigines tend to persist for long periods and don't disappear in the winter (though they may fade).

Question 9

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 10

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).

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Doctor answers about:

How long does it typically take a cancerous actinic keratosis to turn into cancer

A member asked:

How long does it typically take a cancerous actinic keratosis to turn into cancer?

A member asked:

How long does it take for actinic keratosis to turn into cancer?

A member asked:

Actinic keratosis 2 small on back whats the treatment? its been there for more than 2 years not growing in size does it turn into cancer?

A member asked:

Squamous cell skin cancer or actinic keratosis? im confused. my doctor said i have actinic keratosis. then he started talking about squamous cell skin cancer and how to treat it. so, do i have skin cancer or not?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Is seborrheic keratosis a malignant skin cancer tumor?

A member asked:

Is a seborrheic keratosis is a malignant skin cancer tumor or benign?

A member asked:

What is a solar lentigines? new, flat, very light tan spot on cheek bone. at skin cancer screening, dr said not keratosis. said keep an eye on it.

A member asked:

How can i make actinic keratosis go away?

A member asked:

What does actinic keratosis usually look like?

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