User:AngeladMD/sandbox
Signs and symptoms[edit]
Actinic keratoses ("AKs") most commonly present as a white, scaly plaque of variable thickness with surrounding redness; they are most notable for having a sandpaper-like texture when felt with a gloved hand. Skin nearby the lesion often shows evidence of solar damage characterized by notable pigmentary alterations, being yellow or pale in color with areas of hyperpigmentation; deep wrinkles, coarse texture, purpura and ecchymoses, dry skin, and scattered telangiectasias are also characteristic.[1] Photoaging leads to an accumulation of oncogenic changes, resulting in a proliferation of mutated keratinocytes that can manifest as AKs or other neoplastic growths.[2] With years of sun damage, it is possible to develop multiple AKs in a single area on the skin.[3]
The lesions are usually asymptomatic, but can be tender, itch, bleed, or produce a stinging or burning sensation.[4] AKs are typically graded in accordance with their clinical presentation: Grade I (easily visible, slightly palpable), Grade II (easily visible, palpable), and Grade III (frankly visible and hyperkeratotic).[5]
- ^ Taylor, CR; Stern, RS; Leyden, JJ; Gilchrest, BA (Jan 1990). "Photoaging/photodamage and photoprotection". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 22 (1): 1–15. doi:10.1016/0190-9622(90)70001-x. PMID 2405022.
- ^ Rosen, T; Lebwohl, MG (Jan 2013). "Prevalence and awareness of actinic keratosis: barriers and opportunities". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 68 (1 Suppl 1): S2–9. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2012.09.052. PMID 23228302.
- ^ Bock, J. (September 1979). "Perspective". The Canadian Nurse. 75 (8): 5. ISSN 0008-4581. PMID 256769.
- ^ Duncan, KO; Geisse, JK (2008). Epithelial precancerous lesions. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. McGraw-Hill. p. 1007.
- ^ Butani, AK; Arbesfeld, DM; Schwartz, RA (Apr 2005). "Premalignant and early squamous cell carcinoma". Clinics in plastic surgery. 32 (2): 223–35. doi:10.1016/j.cps.2004.11.001. PMID 15814119.