Etymed
actinic keratosis
Definition
A precancerous skin condition characterized by rough, scaly patches on sun-damaged skin
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents with a 2-month history of a rough, scaly patch on his right forearm that he noticed while shaving. He works as a construction worker and has extensive sun exposure history. On examination, there is a 1.5 cm hyperkeratotic lesion with erythematous base. A biopsy confirms actinic keratosis with atypia.
Mnemonic
AK = Actinic Keratosis: 'A' for Atypia, 'K' for Keratosis, 'S' for Scaly patches
These morphemes also unlock…
- actin — beam of light; radiation
- ic — pertaining to
- kerat — horny tissue; cornea
- osis — abnormal condition