Fifteen inches from cancer: early recognition of facial lesions by the dentist.

Skin cancer is an increasing malignancy worldwide, and dentists are in a good position to observe their patients' faces for worrisome lesions. Most skin cancers are caused by actinic damage. The dentist must appreciate the characteristics of sun damage and be familiar with the clinical signs and symptoms of the more common premalignant and malignant facial lesions to appropriately evaluate the face. We review the features of freckles and moles, as well as those of seborrheic keratosis. Sun damage is discussed to aid in understanding the etiological role of ultraviolet exposure in the development of actinic keratosis and cheilitis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The signs and symptoms of each condition are discussed, paying particular attention to their diagnostic features, as well as the clinical hallmarks that enable the practitioner to differentiate among the various lesions. In addition, considerations in referring a patient with a worrisome lesion to the appropriate health care practitioner are provided.