ADVICE FROM HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING AND 3 EXPERTS: WHAT HAPPENS IF ACTINIC KERATOSIS IS LEFT UNTREATED?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Actinic keratosis does not usually go away unless it is frozen, chemically treated or removed by a doctor. An actinic keratosis develops in areas of skin that have undergone repeated or long-term exposure to the sun's UV light. It is a warning sign of increased risk of squamous cell skin cancer if left untreated.
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Answered by Dr. Santosh Amirishetty
MBBS, Specilization-pediatrics · 5 years of experience · India
Actinic keratosis is a skin condition where the skin becomes rough and scaly. It is due to prolonged exposure to the sun. It can be prevented by using sunscreen lotion. If left untreated can develop skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
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Answered by Dr. Saria Mahveen Shareef
MBBS, PGDCC, Spl Cardiology · 6 years of experience · India
Actinic keratoses are small, scaly, red areas on sun-exposed sites that show focal areas of dysplasia on histological examination. It is a very common cause of pre-cancer. If left untreated, lesions may progress into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. You may also experience other serious complications like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, actinic cheilitis. Hence, it is important to get it treated as soon as possible to avoid complications.
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Answered by Dr. Veena Reddy
MBBS · 6 years of experience · India
Actinic keratosis causes rough, scaly skin patches. If left untreated, it can lead to skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. People with actinic keratosis are also at risk of developing actinic cheilitis. Basal cell carcinoma and melanoma may develop.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.