Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Actinic Cheilitis
Actinic cheilosis is a diffuse degenerative change of the lower lip as a result of sun damage. It occurs primarily in men and does not present until after 50 years of age, but the cause is often extreme sun exposure during the teen years and young adult life. Life-time occupational sun exposure increases the risk. The lip becomes puffy and blotchy red and pale pink, with occasional white plaques (leukoplakia) and chronic ulcers. This is a precancer, with an estimated 6% risk of cancer development. Treatment is close follow-up and removal of thick white or white/red patches or nonhealing ulcers. Extensive lesions require complete removal of the lip mucosa and replacement with mucosa inside the mouth.
Complete removal, usually with laser ablation, is the recommended course of treatment. If completely removed, the prognosis is excellent. If left unattended, these lesions are at increased risk to develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Complete removal, usually with laser ablation, is the recommended course of treatment. If completely removed, the prognosis is excellent. If left unattended, these lesions are at increased risk to develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
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