Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are considered pre-cancerous growths. These tend to be scaly and are typically found on the face, scalp, ears, hands, and arms. They can sometimes be tender, especially when exposed to sun. While most of them do not progress into cancers, it cannot be determined which ones will or will not, so these are typically treated. When an AK does turn cancerous, it is most often a squamous cell carcinoma. However, AKs can also become basal cell carcinomas.
Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are considered pre-cancerous growths. These tend to be scaly and are typically found on the face, scalp, ears, hands, and arms. They can sometimes be tender, especially when exposed to sun. While most of them do not progress into cancers, it cannot be determined which ones will or will not, so these are typically treated. When an AK does turn cancerous, it is most often a squamous cell carcinoma. However, AKs can also become basal cell carcinomas.
Different methods can be used to treat AKs. While Dr. Hinckley does use liquid nitrogen to treat these spots, he prefers to use less painful methods whenever possible. One of these is called photodynamic therapy.
