THE IMPORTANCE OF CLINICAL-PATHOLOGIC MONITORING IN THE EVOLUTION OF LEUCOPLASTIC AREAS IN ACTINIC CHEILITIS

Actinic cheilitis is a potentially malignant lesion that occurs by chronic exposure of the lips to ultraviolet rays, which are the main etiologic agent of squamous cell carcinoma affecting the lower lip. A 67-year-old male patient with a complaint of multiple white stains in this region with 2-months evolution time was selected. Clinical examination revealed loss of delimitation of vermillion border of the lower lip and presence of white, nonscratch plaques with a rough and diffuse surface. The biopsy revealed presence of grade II dysplasia; then the treatment of vermilionectomy in the lower lip was chosen and confirmed the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was referred to the oncologist. The report confirmed the malignancy of the lesion and supports the conclusion that the dentist should closely monitor cases of potentially malignant disorders in view of the early diagnosis of possible malignant neoplasms.