Actinic keratosis is squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of nonmelanoma skin cancer in the United States is alarming. It can be most appropriately treated if the earliest manifestation of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is recognized.

Methods: Clinical, histologic, and molecular biology, considerations were reviewed to determine whether actinic keratosis is the earliest clinical manifestation of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Results: The clinical, histologic, and molecular parameters of actinic keratosis are those of squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion: Actinic keratosis does not transform, convert, or progress into cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma but is the earliest clinically recognizable manifestation of this malignancy.