Actinic keratoses
Precursor to squamous cell carcinoma: actinic precancer
Older people often develop pre-cancerous skin in skin that has been severely and permanently photodamaged for decades (face, bald head, forearms and hands) and in those with a certain predisposition. These are sharply demarcated, reddened areas of skin that usually have firmly attached scales. They are often mistaken for “dry skin”. Squamous cell carcinoma can form on the basis of these changes. In our practice clinic, these precancerous stages can be treated surgically, with lasers, with cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and immunomodulatory therapy.