The most important preliminary stages of skin cancer are a condition called actinic keratosis, which occurs particularly in the face and on the head after chronic UV-exposure. Singular actinic keratoderma can be removed surgically or can be iced (Cryotherapy). After shallow excision or cryotherapy the healing up is similar to an abrasion wound.

Alternatively treatments with cream or photodynamic therapy can be used. Solaraze-creme contains Diclofenac, which after a 3-month course of treatment results in a complete remission for approximately 50% and a partial remission for a further 30% of treated patients. This treatment has only slight side effects (a little redness).

Aldara-gel leads to a fairly strong inflammation, which can be accompanied by weeping and crusting. That leads to the repulsion of the tumour tissue by the immune system. Aldara (Imiquimod cream) stimulates the immune system. Healing up can be achieved in approximately 80% of all cases. However the side effects are more pronounced, the weeping and crusting, particularly in the face can be unpleasant. The treatment usually takes 5 weeks.

Photodynamic therapy uses light-radiation after application of light-sensitising creams, which accumulate in the tumour tissue. The cream contains a drug called 5-Aminolaevulinic-Acid or Metvix and is applied several hours prior to the treatment. Then radiation with red or blue light (colour light) is applied. The treatment is repeated after one week. The radiation takes 7-10 minutes. Strong pain can occur during light radiation. Healing up is by crusting similar to an abrasion wound.