Actinic keratosis can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

• A. Not enough data
• B. It regresses spontaneously
• C. True
• D. False

Answer: (C)

Actinic keratosis is a sun-damaged lesion in which epidermal keratinocytes show dysplasia and carry DNA damage from UV exposure. This premalignant state means there is a real potential for progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma if the abnormal cells invade through the basement membrane. While many AKs may regress or stay stable, the possibility of progression exists, so the statement is true. Clinically, treating AKs helps reduce this risk, with options like cryotherapy, topical therapies (5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac), or photodynamic therapy.