Abstract

ARAUJO, CALIANDRA PINTO et al. Actinic cheilitis: a study of 35 cases highlighting their morphological features. RPG, Rev. pós-grad. [online]. 2012, vol.19, n.1, pp. 21-27. ISSN 0104-5695.

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a premalignant lesion that manifests as a diffuse lesion of the lower lip vermilion resulting from excessive exposure to sunlight. It is more frequent in elder, light-skinned men. AC is influenced by ultraviolet radiation and little is known about clinical and histolopathological features of this lesion in Brazil northeastern. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate a series composed of 35 cases of AC in a population of this region. Clinical data from biopsy records were revised, as well as microscopic slides corresponding to each case were assessed and their histological findings described. Of the 35 cases, 60% represented males. The mean age was 54.6 years. Most patients were Caucasian. Histologically, the lesions exhibited varying degrees of dysplasia and cellular atypia. All cases presented solar elastosis. Regarding the dysplasia degree, 17 cases showed mild dysplasia, 13 moderate and 5 severe. Although most cases of AC showed epithelial dysplasia, these were not severe enough to generate an invasive lesion. However, it is important that such studies be conducted in other regions of the country to which public politics are established to prevent the onset of malignant lesions.

Keywords : Cheilitis; Dysplasia; Carcinoma, squamous cell.