Approximately what percentage of actinic keratosis progress to squamous cell carcinoma?

• A. 5%
• B. 50%
• C. 25%
• D. 75%

Answer: (C)

Actinic keratosis is a sun-induced, premalignant lesion that has the potential to progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma over time. While many AKs remain noncancerous, a meaningful minority will transform, and the best-supported estimate for progression across an affected patient over a lifetime is about one in four. This figure helps explain why clinicians treat AKs and address surrounding field changes to reduce the chance of future cancer development. The risk is higher with more lesions, older age, fair skin, ongoing sun exposure, and immunosuppression, which is why management often involves both lesion-directed therapies and field treatments.