Actinic Keratosis
Pronunciation: ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOH-sis
Also written as: AK — Actinic Keratosis
A rough, scaly premalignant lesion on sun-damaged skin caused by chronic ultraviolet radiation exposure, considered a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma.
Full Definition
Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is a keratinocyte intraepithelial neoplasia arising in chronically UV-exposed skin, most commonly on the face, scalp, dorsal hands, and forearms of fair-skinned, older individuals. Histologically, it shows dysplastic keratinocytes in the lower epidermis. Because of its recognized malignant potential — transforming to invasive squamous cell carcinoma in a minority of cases — it is classified as a premalignant lesion in most guidelines. The plural is 'actinic keratoses.' Editors should not use 'actinic keratoses' and 'solar keratoses' interchangeably within the same document without a declared synonym statement.
Usage
Usage note: Plural is 'actinic keratoses,' not 'actinic keratosises.' AK should be expanded on first use. Do not conflate with seborrhoeic keratosis, which is benign and not UV-related.
In Context
- "Multiple actinic keratoses were identified on the patient's bald scalp and treated with topical 5-fluorouracil cream." — Dermatology outpatient letter
- "The proofreader corrected 'actinic keratosises' to 'actinic keratoses' throughout the clinical audit report." — Proofreading correction log