Solar-induced epidermal tumors in the elderly.

Solar lentigo, actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease are common, solar-induced epidermal tumors in the elderly. Management of these lesions depends on the correct diagnosis, which may require biopsy. Treatment of solar lentigo includes cryosurgery followed by topical tretinoin and topical hydroquinone. Actinic keratosis may be treated with cryosurgery, topical 5-fluorouracil, topical tretinoin and, rarely, oral isotretinoin. Bowen's disease requires excision, cryosurgery, electrodesiccation with curettage, or chemosurgery; close follow-up examination is necessary, regardless of the type of treatment. Use of sunscreen products should be stressed as an important preventive measure for all three conditions.