The importance of treating the field in actinic keratosis.

摘要: Actinic keratoses (AKs) are intraepithelial atypical proliferations of keratinocytes that develop in skin has undergone long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Given the ageing population and an increasing prevalence AK, socio-economic burden AK is likely rise over coming years. Areas subclinical (non-visible) sun damage periphery visible lesions contain same genetic changes as those found themselves, known areas field cancerization. associated with increased risk cancer, including invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Although effective clearing lesion-directed therapies do not address cancerization can lead high recurrence rates. In contrast, field-directed therapies, such ingenol mebutate, imiquimod diclofenac, clear both reduce development new treated field. Additionally, preclinical studies suggest therapy may prevent or delay non-melanoma cancer. treatment guidelines now recognize importance treating patients adaptation into clinical practice warranted. Physician patient education around consequences leaving untreated necessary order AK.