Is actinic keratosis a precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin?

What is actinic keratosis used for?

Actinic keratosis is not used for anything. It is a medical condition, a growth on the skin that may be a precursor to skin cancer. Actinic keratosis a dry, rough patch located on parts of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun.

What are some symptoms of Actinic Keratosis?

Symptoms are rough and dry skin, growth on skin in patches located in a variety of places(back,face,scalp,ect.), skin may be gray,pink,or red, flat and scaly.

Are actinic bulbs good for non-aquatic plant growth?

yes. Actinic light give off a large amount of blue light which is needed for vegetative growth.

Actinic keratosis?

DefinitionActinic keratosis is a precancerous growth on the skin.Alternative NamesSolar keratosis; Sun-induced skin changes - keratosis; Keratosis - actinic (solar)Causes, incidence, and risk factorsActinic keratosis is caused by sun exposure.Risk factors for actinic keratosis include:Having fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blond or red hairLong-term, daily sun exposure (for example, if you work outdoors)Multiple, severe sunburns early in lifeOlder ageSymptomsRough and dry skin lesionPatch or growth on the skin Limited to one area (localized)Located on the face, scalp, back of the hands, chest, or other sun-exposed areasGray, pink, red (erythematous), or the same color as the skinBegins as flat and scaly areasLater develops a hard and wart-like or gritty, rough, and "sandpapery" surface -- may develop a horn-like textureThe skin lesion may be easier to feel than to see.Signs and testsThe health care provider makes the diagnosis based on the appearance of the skin growth. A skin biopsy may reveal any cancerous changes, if they occur.TreatmentBecause actinic keratoses are precancerous changes, have them examined promptly. Follow your health care provider's advice for treatment.Growths may be removed by:Burning (electrical cautery)Curettage and electrodesiccation (scrapes away the lesion and uses electricity to kill any remaining cells)Excision (cutting the tumor out and using stitches to place the skin back together)Freezing (cryotherapy, which freezes and kills the cells)Growths may also be treated with medications that cause the skin to peel or come off. More recently, lasers and other light sources have been used to treat actinic keratoses.Creams such as 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod are used for people who have many lesions. These creams usually cause irritation and redness.Expectations (prognosis)Actinic keratosis itself is benign (harmless), but it may on rare occasions develop into skin cancer.Removal of the growth is usually effective.ComplicationsSquamous cell carcinomaIrritation and discomfort of the skin growthCalling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if areas of persistent roughness or scaliness develop in sun-exposed skin.PreventionReduce sun exposure and protect your skin from the sun:Wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.Try to avoid sun exposure during midday, when ultraviolet light is most intense.Use high-quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) rating of at least 15. Pick a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB light.Apply sunscreen before going out into the sun, and reapply frequently.Use sunscreen year-round, including in the winter.Avoid sun lamps, tanning beds, and tanning salons.Other important sun safety facts to keep in mind:Sun exposure is intensified in or near surfaces that reflect light, such as water, sand, concrete, and areas painted white.Sun exposure is more intense at the beginning of the summer.Skin burns faster at higher altitudes.Referencesde Berker D, McGregor JM, Hughes BR. Guidelines for the management of actinic keratoses. Br J Dermatol. 2007;156:222-230.Ibrahim SF, Brown MD. Actinic keratoses. In: Lebwohl M, ed. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009.

Is a benign skin growth that has a waxy or pasted on look that can vary in color from light tan to black and occur most commonly in the elderly?

seborrheic keratosis

What is the purpose of colposcopy?

Colposcopy is used to identify or rule out the existence of any precancerous conditions in the cervical tissue. If a Pap test shows abnormal cell growth, colposcopy is usually the first follow-up test performed.

What is the medical term meaning abnormally raised or thickened scar?

keloidKeloid is an excessive hypertrophic scar.

What type of condition is Seborrheic Keratosis?

Seborrheic karatosis is a skin condition where a benign growth starts to appear. They seem to be seen more as people age. They are not cancerous but can resemble melanoma skin cancer. They can also take the form of a wart like appearance but they have no viral origins.

Hyperplasia?

DefinitionHyperplasia is increased cell production in a normal tissue or organ. Hyperplasia may be a sign of precancerous changes. This is called pathologic hyperplasia.It can also be due to the growth of completely normal cells. This is called physiologic hyperplasia.Alternative NamesHypergenesis

Seborrheic keratosis?

DefinitionSeborrheic keratosis is noncancerous (benign) wart-like growths on the surface of the skin.Alternative NamesBenign skin tumors - keratosis; Keratosis - seborrheic; Senile keratosisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsSeborrheic keratosis is a benign form of skin tumor. The cause is unknown. The condition commonly appears after age 40.SymptomsSymptoms are skin growths that:Are located on the face, chest, shoulders, back, or other areasAre usually painless, but may become irritated and itchAre yellow, brown, black, or other colorsHave a slightly elevated, flat surfaceMay have a rough or wart-like textureOften have a waxy surfaceHave a round-to-oval shapeMay have a "pasted-on" appearanceMay be single, but are usually multiple growthsSigns and testsDiagnosis is based primarily on the appearance of the growths. A skin lesion biopsymay be used to confirm the diagnosis.TreatmentTreatment is usually not required unless the growths become irritated or are unsightly.If treatment is needed, growths may be removed with surgery or freezing (cryotherapy).Expectations (prognosis)Removing the growths is simple and usually does not result in scars. However, growths on the trunk often leave the skin lighter colored.In rare cases, a person who gets many growths very quickly may have gastric cancer.Growths usually do not return after they are removed, but people who are prone to this condition may develop more growths in the future.ComplicationsIrritation, discomfort of growthsMisdiagnosis (it may be difficult to tell apart from malignant melanoma in some cases)Psychological distress from change in appearanceCalling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of seborrheic keratosis.Also call if you develop new symptoms, including:A change in the appearance of the skin growthNew growths

What is the connection between a colposcopy and a Pap test?

A colposcopy is a procedure that allows a healthcare provider to closely examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva for signs of disease or abnormalities, usually recommended after an abnormal Pap test result. A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, involves collecting cells from the cervix to screen for cervical cancer or precancerous changes. Both tests can help detect abnormalities early and guide further management.

Is actinic keratosis a precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin?

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Is actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin?