My spouse has rough, pink spots on his face that were recently diagnosed as pre-cancers. How can these be treated to prevent skin cancer?

Actinic keratoses, often called pre-cancers, commonly develop on sun-damaged skin. Left untreated some of these spots will become squamous cell skin cancer. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to prevent this. Treatments include applying liquid nitrogen, applying cream, or less commonly, using laser therapy, light therapy or chemical peels.

Liquid nitrogen freezes and kills the pre-cancerous skin, allowing new and healthy skin to grow in its place. This procedure is safe and effective, but the treated areas can get sore, crusted, or even blister and a persistent white spot can develop on the treated skin. Various creams are available to treat pre-cancerous skin, but they require several weeks of daily use and can cause redness or discomfort of the treated areas.

An important part of preventing skin cancer is to avoid further sun damage. To protect yourself from the sun, wear sun block daily and reapply frequently, stay in the shade whenever possible and wear hats and clothing. See your doctor for concerns about actinic keratoses and skin cancer.

Amber A. Kyle, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.