Learning module: Actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma

Goals and objectives

The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a clinical approach to the evaluation and initial management of patients who present with suspicious lesions.

After completing this module, the learner should be able to:

• Identify and describe the morphology of actinic keratoses

• Identify and describe the morphology of squamous cell carcinoma

• Initiate appropriate workup for suspicious lesions

• Recognize high-risk factors for development of squamous cell carcinoma, including organ transplant and immunosuppression

• Refer patients with skin lesions suspicious for non-melanoma skin cancer to a dermatologist