Actinic Keratosis
Pronunciation: ak-TIN-ik keh-rah-TOH-sis
A rough, scaly patch on sun-damaged skin caused by years of ultraviolet exposure, considered a precancerous lesion with potential progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
Full Definition
Actinic keratosis (AK), also called solar keratosis, is a keratinocytic intraepidermal dysplasia arising from cumulative UV radiation damage. Lesions appear as erythematous, hyperkeratotic papules or plaques on chronically sun-exposed skin, including the face, scalp, dorsal hands, and forearms. While most AKs remain stable or regress spontaneously, a proportion may progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma, making treatment and monitoring standard practice. The preferred plural is 'actinic keratoses.' Editors should note that 'actinic keratosis' is preferred over the older term 'solar keratosis' in most contemporary style guides and regulatory documents.
Usage
Usage note: Plural is 'actinic keratoses,' not 'actinic keratosises.' Prefer 'actinic keratosis' over 'solar keratosis' in contemporary clinical writing. The abbreviation 'AK' is widely accepted in dermatology literature after definition on first use.
In Context
- "The patient presented with multiple actinic keratoses on the bald scalp, treated with field-directed 5-fluorouracil cream." — Clinical assessment letter
- "The draft referred to 'actinic keratosis's' in the plural, which the editor corrected to 'actinic keratoses.'" — Manuscript copy-editing note