Actinic keratosis is a precursor to which skin cancer?

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Study for the History and Physical (Handamp;P) Exam 1. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Actinic keratosis is a precursor to which skin cancer?

Explanation:
Actinic keratosis arises from UV damage causing atypical keratinocytes in the epidermis, making it a premalignant lesion that can progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. This progression pathway is why it’s the best answer: squamous cell carcinoma originates from squamous cells and actinic keratosis represents dysplastic changes in those same cells before invasion occurs. Basal cell carcinoma comes from basal-layer cells and is not typically preceded by actinic keratosis. Melanoma develops from melanocytes, not keratinocytes, and Merkel cell carcinoma is a separate neuroendocrine tumor; neither is a direct precursor to actinic keratosis.

Actinic keratosis arises from UV damage causing atypical keratinocytes in the epidermis, making it a premalignant lesion that can progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. This progression pathway is why it’s the best answer: squamous cell carcinoma originates from squamous cells and actinic keratosis represents dysplastic changes in those same cells before invasion occurs. Basal cell carcinoma comes from basal-layer cells and is not typically preceded by actinic keratosis. Melanoma develops from melanocytes, not keratinocytes, and Merkel cell carcinoma is a separate neuroendocrine tumor; neither is a direct precursor to actinic keratosis.

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