ICD-11 definition : Actinic keratoses (AKs) are focal areas of abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and
differentiation induced by chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation. They are very
common on sun-exposed skin of fair-skinned individuals who have had excessive exposure
to sunlight. Initially flat scaly papules, they may become significantly elevated
from the skin surface by producing dense adherent keratin or as a result of unregulated
cellular proliferation which may progress to frank carcinoma in situ or invasive squamous
cell carcinoma.;
ICD-11 synonym : SK - [solar keratosis]; solar keratosis; AK - [actinic keratosis];
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are focal areas of abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and
differentiation induced by chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation. They are very
common on sun-exposed skin of fair-skinned individuals who have had excessive exposure
to sunlight. Initially flat scaly papules, they may become significantly elevated
from the skin surface by producing dense adherent keratin or as a result of unregulated
cellular proliferation which may progress to frank carcinoma in situ or invasive squamous
cell carcinoma.