Actinic keratoses: review of clinical, dermoscopic, and therapeutic aspects

Abstract Actinic keratoses are dysplastic proliferations of keratinocytes with potential for malignant transformation. Clinically, actinic keratoses present as macules, papules, or hyperkeratotic plaques with an erythematous background that occur on photoexposed areas. At initial stages, they may be better identified by palpation rather than by visual inspection. They may also be pigmented and show variable degrees of infiltration; when multiple they then constitute the so-called field cancerization. Their prevalence ranges from 11% to 60% in Caucasian individuals above 40 years. Ultraviolet radiation is the main factor involved in pathogenesis, but individual factors also play a role in the predisposing to lesions appearance. Diagnosis of lesions is based on clinical and dermoscopic examination, but in some situations histopathological analysis may be necessary. The risk of transformation into squamous cell carcinoma is the major concern regarding actinic keratoses. Therapeutic modalities for actinic keratoses include topical medications, and ablative and surgical methods; the best treatment option should always be individualized according to the patient.

Histopathological analysis of the therapeutic response to cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen in patients with multiple actinic keratosis

Abstract Actinic keratoses are premalignant lesions of the skin caused by excessive sun exposure. Lesions may become mainly squamous cell carcinoma. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is one of the main treatments. In order to evaluate the response of actinic keratosis to cryotherapy by histopathology, two lesions were selected in each of 14 patients with multiple actinic keratoses. In one lesion a biopsy was performed and in the other lesion a biopsy was performed after cryotherapy. Subsequently, both biopsies were compared histologically. Of the thirteen patients who completed the study, the best results were obtained in lesions undergoing cryotherapy concerning the atypia of keratinocytes, epithelial thickness and corneal layer and lymphocytic infiltrate. Despite the small number of patients, it was concluded that, if performed correctly, cryotherapy has high efficacy in the treatment of actinic keratoses.

Una puesta al día en el tratamiento de las queratosis actínicas / An update on the treatment of actinic keratosis

Las queratosis actínicas son una de las causas más frecuentes de consultas dermatológicas. Están consideradas como lesiones premalignas que pueden evolucionar a carcinoma espinocelular invasor. Constituyen un marcador de fotodaño y actualmente se consideran como modelo de cancerización de campo. Existen diversos tipos de tratamientos que se clasifican en terapias dirigidas a la remoción de la lesión (crioterapia y / o quirúrgicos) y terapias dirigidas al campo de cancerización que incluyen: inmunomoduladores tópicos (imiquimod y diclofenaco), agentes quimioterapéuticos (5-Fluorouracilo y retinoides), Ingenol mebutato, dermoabrasión, peelings químicos, láser, terapia fotodinámica y terapias combinadas entre otras. El principal objetivo de esta revisión es realizar una actualización de las terapias dirigidas al campo de cancerización de las queratosis actínicas con sus respectivas indicaciones, ventajas y desventajas.

Actinic keratosis are one of the most common causes of dermatological consultation. Considered as premalignant lesions that can progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Constitute a marker of photodamage and actually considered as a model of field cancerization. There are several types of treatments classified as therapies targeting the removal of the lesion (cryotherapy and / or surgery) and targeted therapies of field cancerization that include topical immunomodulators (imiquimod and diclofenac), chemotherapeutic agents (5-fluorouracil, and retinoids), ingenol mebutate, dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser, photodynamic therapy and combination therapies among others. The main objective of this review is to update therapies of field cancerization for actinic keratosis with their respective indications, advantages and disadvantages.