Actinic keratoses are commonly the result of intense sun damage to the skin and lips of susceptible patients. The purposes of this 2-section article are to familiarize the surgeon with options for care and to suggest methods of incorporation into practice as a true benefit to patients.
Patients and Methods
The first section discusses the options chosen for patients who were referred to the Facial Lesion Clinic in a county hospital for precancerous or cancerous facial lesions; the second section reviews ramifications for precancerous sun-damaged lips with clinical leukoplakia.
Results
Methods are available to aid patients with precancerous facial and lip lesions. Choices have been presented with patient examples.
Conclusion
Patients with precancerous facial and lip lesions should receive therapy that diagnoses or treats these lesions. Long-term avoidance or mere observation of these lesions will portend future cancer.
⁎Director of Facial Lesion Clinic and Vice Chair of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, John Peter Smith Hospital, Fort Worth, TX; and Clinical Faculty, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Dallas, TX.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Zide: John Peter Smith Hospital, 1625 St Louis Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
ABSTRACT