Precancerous Lesions

Precancerous lesions are abnormal areas of skin that have the potential to develop into skin cancer if left untreated. Often caused by prolonged sun exposure, these spots typically appear as rough, scaly patches—commonly known as actinic keratoses—on sun-exposed areas like the face, scalp, hands, and arms. While not cancerous yet, these lesions indicate that the skin has been damaged and is at increased risk. At North Idaho Dermatology, our board-certified providers specialize in identifying and treating precancerous lesions early, using methods such as cryotherapy, topical medications, and light-based therapies to reduce your risk and keep your skin healthy.

At North Idaho Dermatology, we offer expert care and a variety of effective treatments for precancerous lesions to help prevent the development of skin cancer. After a thorough skin exam and diagnosis, our board-certified providers tailor treatment based on the number, size, and location of the lesions. Common therapies include cryotherapy (freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen), topical prescription creams that target abnormal cells, and photodynamic therapy, which uses light to destroy damaged skin cells. Our goal is early intervention—treating precancerous lesions quickly and safely to protect your skin and overall health.