Which intervention is considered the treatment of choice for actinic keratosis?

The treatment of choice for actinic keratosis is centered around minimizing the risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma, and cryotherapy is the most recognized and widely used method. This technique involves the application of extreme cold to the keratotic lesions, effectively destroying the abnormal keratinocytes while preserving the surrounding tissue. Cryotherapy is advantageous as it is quick, can be performed in an office setting, and has a favorable side effect profile.

The other options, while they may have roles in skin cancer management or treatment of specific conditions, are not considered first-line therapies for actinic keratosis. Mohs surgery is typically reserved for non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly when there is a high risk of recurrence or when the lesions are located on cosmetically sensitive areas. Acid peels are more commonly used for cosmetic improvements and may not effectively target actinic keratosis specifically. Radiation therapy is generally not a standard treatment for actinic keratosis and is more utilized for certain skin malignancies.

Thus, cryotherapy stands out as the primary intervention for treating actinic keratosis, owing to its effectiveness in lesion clearance and reducing the risk of skin cancer development.