Actinic keratosis: from the skin to the lip.

PURPOSE: Actinic keratoses are commonly the result of intense sun damage to the skin and lips of susceptible patients. The purposes of this 2-section article are to familiarize the surgeon with options for care and to suggest methods of incorporation into practice as a true benefit to patients.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The first section discusses the options chosen for patients who were referred to the Facial Lesion Clinic in a county hospital for precancerous or cancerous facial lesions; the second section reviews ramifications for precancerous sun-damaged lips with clinical leukoplakia.

RESULTS

Methods are available to aid patients with precancerous facial and lip lesions. Choices have been presented with patient examples.

CONCLUSION

Patients with precancerous facial and lip lesions should receive therapy that diagnoses or treats these lesions. Long-term avoidance or mere observation of these lesions will portend future cancer.