Does having actinic keratosis increase my risk of other skin cancers like Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a rough, scaly patch on sun-damaged skin. Doctors consider it a precancerous lesion, meaning it can sometimes turn into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer. Having AK does raise your risk of SCC, but not everyone with AK will develop cancer. The risk is higher if you have many AKs, are older, or have a weakened immune system.
What the research says
Actinic keratosis is widely recognized as a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma. A 1993 review noted that AK is a precancerous lesion that should be watched closely 7. More recent research confirms this: a 2022 study described AK as a premalignant lesion and an early stage of cutaneous SCC 8. A large genetic study from 2024 found that AK is causally linked to an increased risk of melanoma, but did not find a direct causal link to SCC in that analysis 2. However, the same study noted that alcohol consumption was associated with lower SCC risk, suggesting different factors affect each cancer type 2. Overall, the medical consensus is that AK is a risk factor for SCC, and treating AK can help prevent progression to cancer.
What to ask your doctor
- How often should I have my skin checked for changes in actinic keratosis?
- What treatments are available to remove actinic keratosis and lower my risk of squamous cell carcinoma?
- Are there any lifestyle changes (like sun protection or diet) that can reduce my risk?
- Should I be concerned about other skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma or melanoma, given my actinic keratosis?
- What signs or symptoms should I watch for that might indicate actinic keratosis is turning into skin cancer?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Dermatology and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.