Scaly lesions can lead to skin cancer.

• Position: Your Life - Actinic keratoses - Brief Article

Actinic keratoses are small scaly lesions that commonly are found on the face, ears, lips, scalp, neck, forearms, and backs of hands. Their appearance can be the first step in the development of skin cancer and is often called a "precancer." Actinic keratoses begin under the skin's surface, then emerge as rough or scaly areas that feel like sandpaper to the touch. They can be pink, tan, red, or the same color as your skin, so they are more easily recognized by touch than by sight. They are generally an eighth to a quarter of an inch in size.

While actinic keratoses are not life-threatening, provided they are detected and treated in the early stages, up to 10% can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that can be fatal. The lesions are not painful, but occasionally they can become itchy or tender.

One in six people will develop an actinic keratosis in the course of a lifetime, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The skin condition is more likely to occur in people over the age of 50 who have had significant sun exposure or a history of repeated sunburn. More than 50% of men and over one-third of women aged 65 to 74, who have had a high degree of lifetime sun exposure, develop actinic keratoses. People with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes are particularly vulnerable.

When a patient is diagnosed with an individual actinic keratosis, a dermatologist generally performs cryosurgery, which involves freezing the...