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Difference between Actinic Keratosis and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
When the epidermal keratinocytes of the skin undergo a transformation, the result is the skin condition known as actinic keratosis. The keratinocytes are the targets of squamous cell carcinoma, a kind of skin cancer.
What is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis develops when epidermal keratinocytes undergo alterations.
Causes and prevalence − Actinic keratosis is caused by being exposed to the sun's UV rays. The illness manifests up after repeated sunburns over time and often affects those with fair skin in their medium to late adult years.
Symptoms and complications − Areas of skin change texture and appearance, becoming rough and scaly. They often manifest as round, dry areas of skin with a diameter of less than 2.5 cm. Pink, red, or brown patches of skin are common in places that receive a lot of light, such the face and arms, and are caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays. It is a precancerous state that can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
Diagnosis − This disorder can be diagnosed with certainty by a clinical examination of the skin and a biopsy of skin lesions.
Treatment − Ointments containing alpha-hydroxy acids or the chemical tretinoin can be applied to the affected areas of the skin. It is possible to use electrocautery to remove the skin samples for analysis. Future sun or tanning bed exposure should be avoided since this might cause the condition to persist or even worsen. The skin may be shielded from the sun by using sunblock and by wearing protective gear.
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Cancer that begins in the cells that line the surface of the skin, termed epidermal keratinocytes, is known as squamous cell carcinoma.
Causes and prevalence − Because mutations in the skin-protecting p53 and p63 genes are triggered by UV exposure, this kind of skin cancer is strongly linked to sun exposure. Those who are naturally fair-skinned and have red hair are disproportionately affected.
Symptoms and complications − A telltale sign of this malignancy is the appearance of lumps or sores on the skin that are red and elevated and often crusty or crusted over. The wound may become ulcerated and may spread deep into the dermis. Though uncommon, metastasis to other organs is possible, particularly if the lesions are bigger than 2 cm and deeper than 2 cm. Metastasis is potentially fatal.
Diagnosis − The skin lesion has to be examined by a dermatologist and a biopsy needs to be taken. To determine whether or not the cells are malignant, this is then analysed further under a microscope.
Treatment − If squamous cell carcinoma has not spread to other parts of the body, surgical removal is an effective treatment option. Large metastatic tumors may require radiation therapy, and chemotherapy is an option for certain patients with metastatic cancer.
That's because having darker skin pigmentation makes you more resistant to the damaging effects of the sun's rays.
Differences: Actinic Keratosis and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The following table highlights the major differences between Actinic Keratosis and Squamous Cell Carcinoma −
Characteristics |
Actinic Keratosis |
Squamous Cell Carcinoma |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
Epidermal keratinocytes undergo alterations in the skin condition known as actinic keratosis. |
There is a kind of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma that develops in the keratinocytes. |
Lesions |
Actinic keratosis lesions are non- cancerous lumps that are less than 6 mm in size, do not bleed, and are not too raised. |
Squamous cell carcinoma is characterised by big (6 mm+), elevated, and bleeding lesions. |
Cancerous |
Although actinic keratosis is not the same as cancer, it frequently leads to malignant melanoma. |
The malignant skin cancer squamous cell carcinoma has the potential to metastasize to other organs. |
Complications |
In order to prevent the development of squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis must be treated. |
Unfortunately, squamous cell carcinoma can occasionally metastasize to other organs and cause death. |
Treatment |
Actinic keratosis can be treated with a combination of topical ointments and surgical excision of the affected areas. |
Squamous cell carcinoma treatment options include excision of malignant skin, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. |
Conclusion
Actinic keratosis has a favourable prognosis if the lesions are surgically treated and the skin is continuously monitored to prevent the development of skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma has a favourable prognosis if diagnosed at an early stage; however, if metastasis has developed, the 5-year survival rate lowers to around 34%.
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