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Actinic keratosis (AK) also known as solar keratosis, is the cause of precancerous growths on the skin caused by UV radiation which correlates to cumulative exposure to UV, with a greater occurrence at higher exposure levels. AK is one of the most prevalent dermatological conditions and can cause a number of symptoms from small (mm) sized rough lesions that are barely visible through to raised hyperkeratotic plaques several cm in length. Over time these may progress into squamous or basal cell carcinomas (originally not thought to be a result of AK progression). It is estimated that up to 16 % of people suffering with AK lesions progress on to squamous cell carcinoma with several severe cases progressing onto basal cell carcinoma and as such treatment at the first signs of AK is recommended.

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