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.