In:
International Journal of Dermatology, Wiley, Vol. 55, No. 3 ( 2016-03), p. 309-316
Abstract:
The incidence of actinic keratosis ( AK ) is increasing, and several treatment options are available. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics and treatment patterns in patients with AK treated by Danish dermatologists. Methods A multicenter, non‐interventional, cross‐sectional study was conducted. Three dermatology hospital departments and seven private dermatology clinics enrolled eligible AK patients consecutively during one week. Results A total of 312 patients were included. Non‐melanoma skin cancer ( NMSC ) was previously reported in 51.0% of patients and currently suspected in 9.4% of AK ‐affected anatomical regions. Lesions of AK were located primarily on the face (38.6%), scalp (12.8%), and hands (11.2%). Actinic keratosis commonly presented with multiple AK lesions (38.6%) and field cancerization (38.5%). The treatments used most frequently were cryotherapy (57.7%) and photodynamic therapy ( PDT ) with methyl aminolevulinate (17.1%) and imiquimod (11.2%). The likelihood of receiving cryotherapy was higher for men (odds ratio [OR] 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–2.47) and increased with age (2.2% per year, 0.4–4.0%). PDT represented the most frequently applied treatment for severe actinic damage and was more likely to be prescribed to women ( OR 4.08, 95% CI 2.22–7.47) and young patients ( OR 0.97 per year, 95% CI 0.95–0.99). The prevalence of severe actinic damage (17.3% versus 9.6%) and intake of immunosuppressive medication (29.0 versus 2.0) were higher among hospital patients compared with those treated in private practices ( P 〈 0.0001). Conclusions The majority of AK patients in Danish dermatology clinics have a history of skin cancer, and NMSC is suspected in almost 10% of AK ‐affected regions. Cryotherapy is the most frequently used treatment overall, except in instances of severe actinic damage, in which PDT is the first‐choice treatment.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0011-9059
,
1365-4632
DOI:
10.1111/ijd.2016.55.issue-3
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2016
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2020365-2
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