Actinic keratosis as a predictor of primary multiple synchronous squamous cell skin cancer: a clinical case

Abstract

We present a clinical case of a primary multiple synchronous highly differentiated keratinizing squamous cell skin cancer in an 84-year old patient with multiple actinic keratosis and actinic cheilitis. The clinical case is unique for the simultaneous development of primary multiple squamous cell carcinoma of the tip of the nose and the vermilion zone of the lower lip in a patient with a past occupational and solar burden, a light phenotype, and signs of chronic photo injury the skin. Clinical, dermatoscopic and sonographic signs of keratotic actinic keratosis were identified in the patient and confirmed by pathomorphological examination. The risk factors for malignant transformation of actinic keratosis were found, such as multiple efflorescences and a long disease history. The malignant transformation of the actinic areas manifested as rapidly progressive ulceration zones more than 1 cm in diameter, pronounced hyperkeratosis, inflammation and infiltration of the underlying tissues, increased bleeding and pain. It is to be underlined that definitive and differential diagnosis requires pathomorphological assessment of the skin biopsy sample. This clinical case indicates that patients with multiple foci of actinic keratosis should be under a lifelong follow-up by dermatovenereologists, with mandatory treatment and prevention measure.