Actinic keratoses are best described as which of the following?

• A. Actinic keratoses
• B. Seborrheic keratoses
• C. Basal cell carcinoma
• D. Melanoma

Answer: (A)

Actinic keratoses are sun-damaged skin lesions that are rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas, described as sandpaper-like plaques. They are premalignant, meaning they carry a risk of progressing to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated, especially in older individuals with extensive UV exposure. They’re distinct from seborrheic keratoses, which are benign “stuck-on” warty plaques; basal cell carcinoma, which typically presents as a pearly, translucent nodule with telangiectasias; and melanoma, which shows asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, and evolution. Treatments aim to eradicate the lesion and manage surrounding sun-damaged skin, using options like cryotherapy, topical 5-fluorouracil, diclofenac, imiquimod, or photodynamic therapy.