TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Treatment of Actinic Keratosis
Source: Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 1, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
For information about the treatments listed below, see the Treatment Option Overview section.
Source links and citations
Actinic keratosis is not cancer but is treated because it may develop into cancer. Treatment of actinic keratosis may include the following:
Source links and citations
Topical chemotherapy.
Source links and citations
Topical immunotherapy (imiquimod).
Source links and citations
Other drug therapy (diclofenac or ingenol).
Source links and citations
Chemical peel.
Source links and citations
Simple excision.
Source links and citations
Shave excision.
Curettage and electrodesiccation.
Source links and citations
Dermabrasion.
Source links and citations
Photodynamic therapy.
Source links and citations
Laser surgery.
Source links and citations
Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General information about clinical trials is also available.
Source links and citations
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice