Actinic keratosis (AK) is a skin condition caused by long-term sun exposure. It is characterized by scaly, patchy areas on the skin that can become red, rough, and thick. In some cases, these patches can become cancerous. As such, it is important to catch and treat actinic keratosis as early as possible.
Do I Need a Biopsy for Actinic Keratosis?
The answer to this question depends on the severity of the condition. If the keratosis is small and has not changed in size, shape, color, or texture, a biopsy may not be necessary. In this case, a doctor may recommend monitoring the spot over time.
However, if the keratosis is large, has grown in size, changed color, or become very thick, a biopsy may be necessary to determine if it is cancerous. In this case, the biopsy will involve taking a small sample of the tissue for analysis. The analysis can determine whether the lesion is cancerous or not. If it is determined to be cancerous, further treatment may be necessary.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the body for analysis. The sample is typically examined under a microscope to determine whether or not it is cancerous. A biopsy is considered the most reliable way to diagnose cancer.