title: A case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma arising from actinic cheilitis.
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.
authors: Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Na Hyun
authors: NH
authors: Kwon
authors: Si Yong
authors: SY
authors: Kim
authors: Gyong Moon
authors: GM
authors: Kim