Charlotte Mohs surgeon discusses the precancerous skin lesion, actinic keratosis
Charlotte Mohs surgeons are well-trained in a variety of dermatological conditions, and actinic keratosis is one such disease. Actinic keratosis (AK) is a type of skin growth that is crusty and scaly. This skin lesion, also known as solar keratosis, is caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation. This skin lesion is precancerous, meaning that it itself is not cancerous, but it has the potential to turn into cancer if left untreated. Actinic keratosis will turn into squamous cell carcinoma if left alone, which is the second most popular type of skin cancer in the United States. Appearing on skin that receives frequent exposure to the sun, or to UV light sources like tanning beds, AK is most often found in the head and neck region. Charlotte Mohs surgeons can examine you for AK and discuss treatment options if this type of lesion is found.
Learn more about actinic keratosis
Charlotte Mohs surgeons are well-educated on actinic keratosis, and can go into further detail about the skin condition upon scheduling a consultation with them. Actinic keratosis usually start very small, and can be identified based on feeling them, rather than on seeing them. When touched, the skin lesions cause a sensation that is similar to rubbing your bare hand on a piece of sandpaper. Actinic keratoses can also lie underneath the skin. Oftentimes, actinic keratoses have a slow degree of progression and will have a maximum size of an eighth of an inch, to a quarter of an inch. AKs can even disappear on their own, and then come back at a later time. AKs usually do not cause any sensation, although they may occasionally be itchy or have a prickling sensation.
Treatment options for actinic keratosis
Charlotte Mohs surgeons offer a variety of different treatment options for those diagnosed with actinic keratosis. When AKs are treated early, there is little to no long-term complications caused by these skin lesions. First, a dermatologist may take a biopsy of the AK to determine if it is an early cancer. This is usually done by with a curette, or a scalpel. Surgical procedures for those with AKs involve laser surgery, curettage and desiccation, and cryosurgery. Topical treatments for the removal of AKs are also available. This is usually suggested by the dermatologist when there is a large number of AKs on the patient. These treatments include chemical peels, 5-fluorouracil, and Diclofenac. Your Charlotte Mohs surgeon will discuss all of the treatment options with you, and together you will determine what best suits your needs.
Metrolina Dermatology – your actinic keratosis specialist and Charlotte Mohs surgeon
Charlotte Mohs surgeons are available to you at Metrolina Dermatology in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Sasha Haberle is a South Charlotte dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, and can provide you with the treatment you deserve. If you are living in Charlotte, NC and believe that you may have actinic keratosis, or are in need of a dermatological consultation, book your appointment with us today.
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