Actinic Keratoses and Bowen Disease

Diagnostic Tips

Actinic Keratoses/Bowens

• Actinic keratoses are pre-malignant but transformation to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rare. Specific treatment is not essential, particularly in  low risk disease.
• Suspect SCC if a lesion develops a thickened painful base or ulcerates
• Solitary cutaneous horns should be removed for histopathology if they are painful and have a broader base compared to their height

If suspicious follow pathway for squamous cell carcinoma

Management

ActinicKeratoses

General:

 Sun protection advice/emollient – this is essential as there is evidence that sunblocks can clear AKs and reduce future risks.

Specific management options:

• Single or few scattered AK
• Generally no treatment indicated except for emollients and sunblocks. In patients with “high risk” disease (see criteria above) one could use the following:
  • 5% 5-fluorouracil
  • 0.5% 5-fluorouracil/salicylic acid
  • 5% imiquimod cream
  • Cryotherapy – infrequently used
  • Curettage and cautery through local minor surgery (only when diagnostic doubt)
• Multiple (Field) AK
• 5% 5-fluorouracil
• 3.75% imiquimod cream
• Diclofenac gel 3%
• PDT – not currently available in NHS Lothian

• Long term management
• Patients may present with few scattered AK or large field change. However the majority will have microscopic disease and so if treatment is indicated the preference would be to treat field change, ideally with 5% 5-fluorouracil cream as first –line therapy. Patients are likely to need ongoing treatment and not just a single course due to the chronic nature of this condition. 5% 5-fluorouracil cream can be used as per licence indication but many patients are unable to tolerate the skin reaction so the frequency can be reduced to three times per week and given over a longer period of time. Most will require treatment over a three to six month period following which a re-assessment should be made. Treatment can be discontinued if there is an improvement but most patients will require re-treatment due to the chronic nature of AKs.

See BNF for dosing

Bowens disease

Bowens disease is common and due to chronic UV damage, commonly occurring on photo-exposed sites in the older population. There is no cure and the aim of treatment is to control lesion numbers. All patients should be advised to use emollients and sunscreens (SPF 30+).

Solitary/few lesions

• Topical 5% 5-fluorouracil cream
• Curettage – only where there is diagnostic doubt. Must be sent to pathology.
• Cryotherapy – may be suitable for small lesions if you are confident of the diagnosis.

Multiple lesions

• Topical 5% 5-fluorouracil cream
• PDT – not available in NHS Lothian

For Patients

PIL Actinic Keratosis

http://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?id=66&itemtype=document opens a new window

PIL IEC/Bowen’s Disease

http://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?id=235&itemtype=document opens a new window

PIL 5 Fluorouracil cream

http://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file. document fluorouracil cream (Efudix) opens a new window

For Health Professionals

Link to PCDS Actinic/Solar Keratosis guidance opens a new window

Link to PCDS Bowen’s Disease guidance opens a new window

Dermnet NZ: http://www.dermnetnz.org/ opens a new window