Histopathology of Actinic Cheilitis

Solar cheilosis: An ominous precursor

“…8,50,57,65,[132][133][134][135][136] It has long been suggested that lip SCC derived from SC has a significant malignant potential. 137 However, recent evidence suggests that SCC originating from or associated with SC is approximately three to five times less likely to metastasize than lower lip SCC that is not derived from or associated with SC. 65 This may be good news, given that most cases of SCC of the lower lip do originate from preexisting SC.…”

Solar Cheilitis

“…Solar cheilitis (actinic cheilitis) shows changes on the vermilion of the lips* similar in most respects to solar keratosis on the skin 5 . This condition is seen nearly exclusively on the protruding portion of the lower lip, which is exposed to sunlight much more than the upper lip.…”

“…Although the transition of solar cheilitis into squamous‐cell carcinoma is now well established, its incidence, like that for solar keratosis, is difficult to determine 5 . This can be explained by the stage at which the lesions are recognized and studied.…”

Actinic Cheilitis Granulomatosa

“…In the late stages, the formation of thick crusts, edematous swelling Jndings of actinic cheilitis in people living in the highlands of Kenya; these greatly differed from those of chronic acumc cheilitis previously reported. Shallow ulceration, a bandlike infiltrate mainly composed of plasma cells, and an increase and prominence of vessels were the diagnostic findings (5). The photosensitivity cheilitis reported in a Negro by Rich et al (6) consisted of an ulcerated, slightly swollen, tender lesion of the lower lip.…”