Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin caused by abnormal cell development. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Risk factors include excessive sun exposure, fair skin, and a history of sunburns.
Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, are precancerous lesions that manifest as rough and scaly patches, or bumps on the skin. If found and treated early, they do not have the chance to develop into skin cancer. Early detection is crucial for determining whether growths are malignant or not.
Causes
Skin cancer is primarily caused by prolonged UV radiation exposure from the sun or tanning beds, which damages skin cells. Genetic predisposition, a history of severe sunburns, and the presence of atypical moles or skin lesions also contribute to the risk.
Actinic keratosis is almost always derived from UV rays from the sun and from tanning beds. People with pale skin, blonde or red hair, and blue, green or gray eyes, are the most vulnerable, but so are those with darker skin who are exposed to UV rays without protection.
