How can you tell squamous cell carcinoma from actinic keratosis?

One important clue in visual inspection and differentiation between SCC and AK is the size of the lesion. Generally AK lesions tend to be smaller than SCC lesions. Invasive SCC typically is a tender, enlarging hyperkeratotic lesion that may become nodular and ulcerate.

Is actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma in situ the same?

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer and it has been suggested that actinic keratosis is in fact SCC in situ. Actinic keratosis arises from long term sun exposure and is an indicator of sun damage and ultraviolet light exposure.

Is actinic keratosis a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma?

The precursor of most cutaneous invasive squamous cell carcinomas (iSCCs) is intraepithelial UV-induced damage, known as field cancerization, which can eventually transform into actinic keratosis (AK).

How would you recognize the difference between squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma?

Melanoma typically begins as a mole and can occur anywhere on the body. Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a firm red bump, a scaly patch, or open sore, or a wart that may crust or bleed easily.

What does actinic keratosis look like?

What do actinic keratoses look like? AKs often appear as small dry, scaly or crusty patches of skin. They may be red, light or dark tan, white, pink, flesh-toned or a combination of colors and are sometimes raised. Because of their rough texture, actinic keratoses are often easier to feel than see.

Can you scratch off actinic keratosis?

The Treatment On occasion, an actinic keratosis will disappear on its own, but it will return when the skin is exposed to the sun again. If you scratch a lesion off, it will grow back. If treated early enough, an actinic keratosis can be removed before it becomes cancerous.

How long does it take for actinic keratosis to become cancerous?

In summary, of the estimated 10\% of AKs that will develop into an SCC, the progression will take approximately 2 years.

Which is worse squamous cell or melanoma?

It’s three times as common as melanoma (some 200,000 new cases each year versus 62,000). Though not as common as basal cell (about one million new cases a year), squamous cell is more serious because it is likely to spread (metastasize).

How do I know if I have basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma most commonly appears as a pearly white, dome-shaped papule with prominent telangiectatic surface vessels. Squamous cell carcinoma most commonly appears as a firm, smooth, or hyperkeratotic papule or plaque, often with central ulceration.

What is the best cream for actinic keratosis?

5\% fluorouracil cream is the best first-line treatment for actinic keratosis skin lesions. Comparison of four common treatment regimens for actinic keratosis found that twice daily 5\% fluorouracil cream was the most effective and least expensive. It was also found to be convenient and well tolerated by patients.