What condition is actinic keratosis a precursor for?

Actinic keratosis is considered a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma. This skin condition arises from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which causes mutations in the skin cells, leading to abnormal growths. Actinic keratosis lesions are often rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin and can indicate that the skin has undergone significant UV damage.

The link between actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma is particularly significant because while not all actinic keratosis lesions will progress to cancer, the presence of these lesions raises the risk for the development of squamous cell carcinoma over time. Regular monitoring and potential treatment of actinic keratosis are crucial to prevent progression to this more serious form of skin cancer.