Which statement best describes actinic keratosis of the eyelid?

• A. It is a scaly eyelid lesion that is benign but may progress to malignant squamous cell carcinoma.
• B. It is always malignant squamous cell carcinoma.
• C. It is a pigmented nevus with no cancer risk.
• D. It is an infectious keratitis requiring antibiotics.

Answer: (A)

Actinic keratosis on the eyelid is a sun-induced, premalignant skin lesion that often appears as a rough, scaly patch on sun-exposed eyelid skin. The defining point is its potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated, which is why describing it as a scaly eyelid lesion that is premalignant and may become malignant best fits. It is not an always-malignant carcinoma, nor is it a pigmented nevus with no cancer risk, and it is not an infectious keratitis requiring antibiotics.