ACTINIC CHEILITIS - A TREATMENT REVIEW

BACKGROUND. Actinic cheilitis is a common premalignant condition, sign ificant for symptoms and potential development into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Multiple methods of treatment have been reported for t his entity. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review and co mpare the accepted treatment modalities reported for actinic cheilitis . METHODS. The English language literature was reviewed for treatment options, efficacy and adverse effects. RESULTS. Cryosurgery, electroca utery, 5-fluorouracil, carbon dioxide laser, and scalpel vermilionecto my were all clinically effective. All therapies, with the exception of chemical peeling, appear to have a low clinical failure late. Histolo gical clearance of disease was demonstrated in carbon dioxide laser-tr eated patients. 5-Fluorouracil failed to achieve complete removal of h istologic dysplasia. The carbon dioxide laser may be associated with l ess scarring and an improved cosmetic outcome in comparison with the s calpel vermilionectomy. CONCLUSION. Focal actinic cheilitis is easily treated with cryosurgery or electrosurgery. Extensive actinic cheiliti s requires 5-fluorouracil, carbon dioxide laser, or scalpel vermilione ctomy for adequate treatment. The carbon dioxide laser offers some adv antages over scalpel vermilionectomy. (C) 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.