Pre-cancer Treatment Options

Skin pre-cancers, also known as actinic keratoses, are common lesions that may lead to skin cancer if left untreated. Approximately 8% of untreated precancers become squamous cell carcinoma skin cancers. In a recent video, Maxim Polansky, MD , highlighted the importance of early intervention and various effective treatments available for managing these pre-cancerous skin conditions.

Actinic keratoses typically appear as rough, scaly, sometimes pink/red patches on sun-exposed skin areas like the face, ears, scalp, and hands. Polansky stresses the importance of regular skin checks to identify and treat these lesions early, significantly reducing the risk of progression to skin cancer.

Maxim Polansky outlines several treatment options, each tailored to patient-specific needs:

• Cryotherapy: A quick, minimally invasive treatment involving the freezing (with liquid nitrogen) of pre-cancerous lesions to destroy abnormal cells.
• Topical Chemotherapy: Prescription creams such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod effectively target and eliminate pre-cancerous cells, especially beneficial for widespread actinic keratoses.
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A combination treatment involving topical medication activated by a specialized light source to selectively destroy pre-cancerous cells, with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
• Chemical Peels: Medical-grade chemical solutions used to remove damaged skin layers, treating actinic keratoses and promoting the growth of healthy skin.

Early treatment of skin pre-cancers significantly reduces the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Polansky emphasizes, "Early detection and proactive treatment are key to maintaining healthy skin and preventing more serious conditions."

Stay proactive in your skin health. Schedule your skin pre-cancer screening today, and take an essential step toward maintaining healthy, cancer-free skin.