Condition Lookup

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Sub-Category:

Actinic Keratosis

Sub-category: Pre-Malignant Conditions

Symptoms:
rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas; red, pink, or brown lesions; sometimes tender or itchy; most commonly on face, ears, scalp, forearms, and hands

Root Cause:
Chronic sun exposure causing DNA damage in keratinocytes, leading to dysplasia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; dermoscopy or biopsy to rule out squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Treatment:
Topical therapies, cryotherapy, or photodynamic therapy to remove lesions and prevent progression.

Medications:
Topical 5-fluorouracil – for keratinocyte dysplasia. Imiquimod – an immune response modifier. Diclofenac gel – anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects up to 10% of adults, particularly in fair-skinned individuals over 50.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic sun exposure, fair skin, history of sunburns, immunosuppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with treatment; untreated lesions may progress to SCC in 5–10% of cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to squamous cell carcinoma; Cosmetic concerns

Dysplastic Nevi (Atypical Moles)

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Skin Tumors and Growths

Sub-category: Pre-Malignant Conditions

Symptoms:
irregularly shaped moles; variegated colors (brown, black, pink); asymmetry and uneven borders; most commonly on the trunk, scalp, or extremities

Root Cause:
Abnormal melanocyte proliferation, potentially triggered by UV exposure and genetic factors, with potential progression to melanoma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination using the ABCDE criteria (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolution); biopsy for suspicious lesions.

Treatment:
Monitoring for changes, surgical excision of suspicious or evolving moles.

Medications:
Not applicable; treatment is surgical or observational.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in individuals with fair skin or a family history of melanoma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of dysplastic nevi or melanoma, chronic sun exposure, fair skin, and a large number of moles.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with monitoring and early intervention; dysplastic nevi themselves are benign but carry a higher risk for melanoma development.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to melanoma; Cosmetic concerns after excision