Source
Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA.
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.