What Is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis refers to precancerous, scaly patches on the skin caused by chronic sun exposure. It should be treated, as the lesions may progress to skin cancer

What Are The Characteristics and Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis?

• Scaly or crusty patches or plaques which are precancerous
• Can vary from normal skin color to reddish-brown
• Usually appear in areas of highest sun exposure, such as:
• Face
• Back of the hands / Forearms
• Scalp
• Lip (called actinic cheilitis)
• Ears
• Neck

Who Is Most Likely To Have Actinic Keratosis?

• Fair-skinned people
• People with chronic sun exposure
• Immunosuppressed/immunocompromised patients (patients with weak immune systems)

Treatments for Actinic Keratosis:

• 5-FU Cream (5-fluorouracil, a chemotherapeutic agent)
• Diclofenac sodium gel
• Imiquimod cream (an immunomodulator)
• Electrosurgery (electric needle)
• Cryosurgery (freezing)
• Surgical Excision
• Dermabrasion
• Laser skin resurfacing
• Photodynamic Therapy

What Does Laser Treatment Involve?

• Laser skin resurfacing involves simple local anesthesia, followed by application of the laser to the affected areas. The damaged tissue is easily removed.
• photodynamic therapy involves treatment of the affected areas with a photosensitizer called 5-ALA (5-aminolevulinic acid), followed by activation with a blue light source.

Are You A Candidate for Laser Treatment of Actinic Keratosis?

You may be a good candidate for laser treatment/photodynamic therapy if

• You have multiple AK (actinic keratosis) lesions on the face, scalp, and lips

What Are The Advantages Of Laser Treatment / Photodynamic Therapy?

• Laser treatment and photodynamic therapy have distinct advantages
• Can treat large areas
• Noninvasive
• Very little risk of scarring
• Very few side effects
• Excellent cosmetic results

How Long Does It Take?

Usually 15 minutes for the laser. For photodynamic therapy, pretreatment with the photosensitizer (5-ALA) is required, and this must be left on for some time before exposure to the light source.

How Many Treatments for Actinic Keratosis Are Required?

Multiple sessions may be required.

What Are My Alternatives?

• Topical medications, as described above
• More traditional surgical approaches, as described above.

Will I Have Pain?

Sometimes, patients experience a stinging sensation during the laser treatments. This is usually compared to the snapping of a rubber band, and not usually intolerable for patients.  Some patients may experience a burning sensation when the photosensitizer is applied. There is rarely any pain after the treatment.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

You can return to work or school immediately. However, there will be redness for at least the next several days.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

The surgery will be performed by one of our highly-trained dermatologists.

How Much Does Actinic Keratosis Treatment Cost?

This depends upon the specific procedure used. Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover?

Insurance companies should cover these procedures, but do not always do so. Therefore, it is important to check with your individual insurer for policy exclusions and limitations, as well as any requirement for pre-authorization review.