Ann Dermatol.  2011 Feb;23(1):101-103. 10.5021/ad.2011.23.1.101.

A Case of Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising from Actinic Cheilitis

• Kwon NH
• Kim SY
• Kim GM

• KMID: 2171965
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.1.101

Abstract

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common, sun-induced, pre-malignant lesion with a strong likelihood of progressing to a malignancy. The reported risk of AK progressing to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) varies from less than 1% to 20%. Clinically, induration, pain, large size, marked hyperkeratosis, ulceration, bleeding, rapid growth, and recurrence or persistence may be markers of AK progression into SCC. The risk of SCC metastasizing ranges between 0.5% and 3%. However, SCC of the lip arising from actinic cheilitis is more prone to metastasis than cutaneous SCC, with rates of the former varying between 3% and 20%. Here we report a typical case of SCC from actinic cheilitis with metastasis to the lymph nodes during a 4-year follow-up period. To exclude SCC, we emphasize the need for regular follow-up and prompt evaluation, including careful pathologic examination for actinic cheilitis.

Keyword

Actinic cheilitis; Squamous cell carcinoma

MeSH Terms

Actins
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Cheilitis
Follow-Up Studies
Hemorrhage
Keratosis, Actinic
Lip
Lymph Nodes
Neoplasm Metastasis
Recurrence
Ulcer
Actins
Cheilitis