What are pink or flesh colored precancerous lesions that result from sun damage?

The term for pink or flesh-colored precancerous lesions that occur as a result of sun damage is actinic keratoses. These lesions typically develop due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Actinic keratoses can appear as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, scalp, and back of the hands.

It is important to recognize actinic keratoses because they are considered precursors to skin cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma. Their early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing the progression to cancer.

In contrast, ephelides, commonly known as freckles, are small brown spots that typically appear on sun-exposed skin but are not precancerous. Comedones are clogged hair follicles that can lead to acne and are not related to sun damage or precancerous conditions. Lentigines, often referred to as liver spots or age spots, are flat brown spots that also result from sun exposure, but they are benign and are not precursors to cancer. Thus, actinic keratoses accurately describe the specific precancerous lesions linked to sun damage.