Samuel E Steinmetz, MD

Actinic Keratoses Facts

Actinic Keratoses are rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by excessive exposure to the sun. Actinic Keratoses can sometimes progress into skin cancers. Doctors estimate that 40% of squamous cell carcinomas begin as Actinic Keratoses. Performing a skin biopsy is the only way to distinguish Actinic Keratoses from a squamous cell carcinoma. The American Cancer Society, the Skin Cancer Foundation, and the American Academy of Dermatology all recommend that people with Actinic Keratoses seek treatment.