JAMA Clinical Reviews Treatment of Keratinocyte Carcinoma
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Oct 30, 2025 Mackenzie R. Wehner, an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, dives into the world of keratinocyte carcinomas, a prevalent form of skin cancer. She discusses risk factors like UV exposure and the impact of childhood sunburns. Indoor tanning's contribution to cancer risk reveals alarming truths, while sunscreen advice highlights the importance of SPF 30+. Wehner clarifies how to distinguish actinic keratoses from more serious conditions, and emphasizes the need for regular skin exams and careful monitoring to minimize recurrence.
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Indoor Tanning Strongly Increases Risk
- Indoor tanning is an established carcinogen that raises BCC risk ~25% and SCC risk ~60%.
- Earlier and heavier exposures show dose-response and higher risk, so indoor tanning is both causal and a risk marker.
Practical Sunscreen Guidance
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating.
- Choose the sunscreen you will actually apply consistently rather than obsessing over very high SPF values.
Distinguishing Actinic Keratoses From SCC
- Actinic keratoses are often scaly, gritty, and sandpaper-like and can be skin-colored or brown.
- Squamous cell carcinomas tend to be thicker, more raised, red, crusted, and sometimes painful.