Authors:	Agarwal, Komal Podder, Indrashis Cockerell, Clay J. Kassir, Martin Grabbe, Stephan Goldust, Mohamad
Title:	Update on diagnosis and treatment of actinic keratosis
Online publication date:	23-Jan-2023
Year of first publication:	2022
Language:	english
Abstract:	Actinic keratosis (AK) is a relatively common skin condition occurring due to chronic sun-exposure, primarily affecting fair skin. Most dermatologists consider it an incipient malignancy due to its risk of full-blown malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma. However, the exact risk factors remain unknown, and thus its course cannot be predicted. Therefore, all cases of AK need early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to mitigate this risk. Over the years, several noninvasive diagnostic techniques such as dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy, and newer treatment modalities (lesion-directed and field-directed) have been introduced with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Notably, invasive skin biopsy with histopathology remains the gold-standard for diagnosis. Prevention is of paramount importance, highlighted by adequate sun-protection measures. This article reviews the diagnostic and treatment modalities of AK, with their latest updates, to optimize patient management.
DDC:	610 Medizin 610 Medical sciences
Institution:	Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Department:	FB 04 Medizin
Place:	Mainz
ROR:	https://ror.org/023b0x485
DOI:	http://doi.org/10.25358/openscience-8627
Version:	Published version
Publication type:	Zeitschriftenaufsatz
License:	CC BY
Information on rights of use:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Journal:	Dermatological reviews 3 6
Pages or article number:	359 368
Publisher:	Wiley
Publisher place:	Oxford, UK
Issue date:	2022
ISSN:	2637-7489
Publisher DOI:	10.1002/der2.121
Appears in collections:	DFG-491381577-H