Actinic cheilitis. A treatment review.
BACKGROUND
Actinic cheilitis is a common premalignant condition, significant for symptoms and potential development into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Multiple methods of treatment have been reported for this entity.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to review and compare the accepted treatment modalities reported for actinic cheilitis.


METHODS
The English language literature was reviewed for treatment options, efficacy and adverse effects.


RESULTS
Cryosurgery, electrocautery, 5-fluorouracil, carbon dioxide laser, and scalpel vermilionectomy were all clinically effective. All therapies, with the exception of chemical peeling, appear to have a low clinical failure rate. Histological clearance of disease was demonstrated in carbon dioxide laser-treated patients. 5-Fluorouracil failed to achieve complete removal of histologic dysplasia. The carbon dioxide laser may be associated with less scarring and an improved cosmetic outcome in comparison with the scalpel vermilionectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Focal actinic cheilitis is easily treated with cryosurgery or electrosurgery. Extensive actinic cheilitis requires 5-fluorouracil, carbon dioxide laser, or scalpel vermilionectomy for adequate treatment. The carbon dioxide laser offers some advantages over scalpel vermilionectomy.
Dufresne
R G
RG
Department of Dermatology, Brown University School of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Curlin
M U
MU
D002613:Cheilitis / Q000628:therapy*; D003452:Cryosurgery; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000628:therapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*
D005472:Fluorouracil