A Case of Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising from Actinic Cheilitis

• Published in: Annals of dermatology Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 101 - 103
• Main Authors: Kwon, Na Hyun, Kim, Si Yong, Kim, Gyong Moon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Dermatological Association; The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology 01.02.2011; 대한피부과학회
• Subjects: Case Report; 피부과학; Actinic cheilitis; Squamous cell carcinoma
• ISSN: 1013-9087; 2005-3894; 2005-3894
• DOI: 10.5021/ad.2011.23.1.101

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.