KERATINIZED SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA CLINICALLY PRESENTING AS ACTINIC CHEILITIS

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant disorder of the lip caused by exposure to solar radiation and warrants special attention because its malignant transformation rate varies from 10% to 20%. A 59-year-old male patient sought out a stomatology service with a lip wound. He reported being a smoker and alcoholic and working under sun exposure. Extrabuccal examination revealed dryness of the lower lip and leucoerythroblastic and ulcer lesions measuring 1.3 × 0.6 cm in total area. The clinical diagnosis of actinic cheilitis and differential leukoerythroplasia. There were no lesions in the mouth. An incisional biopsy was performed, and the histopathologic result was keratinized squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was referred for surgical treatment. This report is relevant because it shows how early diagnosis can optimize treatment and substantially improve the patient’s life.