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What Are Premalignant Skin Lesions?
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition because it can develop into a skin cancer known as squamous cell cancer. The lesions look like rough, red or brown, scaly patches on the skin. These patches occur in areas that have been exposed to the sun. They are often found on the face, hands, and arms and are more common in people with fair skin.

Most skin lesions, moles, freckles, and pigmented areas are harmless. It is difficult to tell the difference between pre-malignant skin lesions, skin cancers, and other skin conditions.

Have a health care provider evaluate any skin changes such as:

• sores that do not heal
• a spot on the skin that is rough or scaly
• a red or brown spot on the skin
• bleeding or
• change in appearance

Removal of a small piece of tissue (biopsy) may be needed to make a diagnosis. The tissue will be sent to the laboratory for evaluation and diagnosis.

If the change is found to be a premalignant skin lesion, treatment may include one of the following:

• topical chemotherapy
• cryosurgery (which is freezing)
• electrodesiccation and curettage (which is burning)
• sanding the top layer of skin (dermabrasion)
• shaving the very top layer of skin or
• laser therapy

To prevent pre-malignant lesions and skin cancers be sure to:

• Avoid exposure to the sun, by using sunscreen, and wearing a head covering, such as a hat.
• Protect yourself and children from sunburns (sunburns may be linked with increased risk of melanoma in adult years).

For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER. Visit their websites at www.cancer.org and www.cancer.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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