The patient with actinic cheilosis.

Recent research has greatly enhanced the understanding of the etiopathogenic pathways underlying squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin. The predominant etiologic agent is ultraviolet radiation. Excessive exposure to sunlight may lead to the development of sunburn, premature aging of the skin, cataracts, immune suppression, and skin cancer. Actinic keratoses represent an early clinical stage of a continuum that ultimately may progress to become SCC of the skin. Actinic cheiloses represent actinic keratoses that occur on the lip vermilion. While numerous therapeutic measures are available for managing actinic cheilosis, close follow-up, combined with strict measures to reduce future sun exposure, is mandatory. Oral health care providers are in a prime position to identify patients at risk for actinic cheiloses, educate patients on preventive measures to reduce and negate the damaging effects of sunlight, and (if necessary) manage early actinic cheiloses.