Desordens orais potencialmente malignas: o que o cirurgião-dentista precisa saber? / Oral potentially malignant disorders: what do dentists need to know?

Introdução:as desordens orais potencialmente malignas (DOPMs) são condições que podem preceder o aparecimento do câncer em cavidade bucal. Objetivo: descrever os principais aspectos clínicos, histológicos e tratamento da leucoplasia, eritroplasia, queilite actínica e líquen plano oral. Metodologia: trata-se de uma revisão da literatura atual, em que foram consultados artigos nas bases do MEDLINE/PUBMED e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Os descritores foram localizados usando o vocabulário controlado do MeSH, sendo eles: Leukoplakia; Erythroplakia, Actinic cheilitis, Oral lichen planus, Diagnosis, Therapeutics. Resultados: asapresentações clínicas das DOPMs são diversas. A leucoplasia é a mais comum e deve ser distinguida da leucoplasia verrucosa proliferativa que tem uma apresentação clínica generalizada e uma tendência à recorrência após a excisão; a eritroplasia, embora rara, tem maior chance de malignização. A queilite actínica acomete com frequência o lábio inferior, tem forte relação com exposição solar e pode progredir para o carcinoma escamocelular labial; o líquen plano oral tem uma variedade de apresentações clínicas, sendo a forma reticular a mais comum. O tipo erosivo, atrófico ou bolhoso é acompanhado de sintomatologia dolorosa variável. A biópsia é essencial para confirmar a suspeita clínica das DOPMs e o encaminhamento oportuno para um especialista é indicado. Conclusão: as DOPMs podem ser encontradas durante o exame bucal, possibilitando assim, o diagnóstico precoce, e o correto encaminhamento a um especialista e a intervenção adequada, podendo reduzir a taxa de progressão dessas condições para câncer.

Introduction: Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) are conditions that may precede the onset of cancer in the oral cavity. Objective: To describe the main clinical features, histological aspects and treatment of leukoplakia, erythroplakia, actinic cheilitis and oral lichen planus. Methodology: this is a review of the current literature, in which articles in the databases of MEDLINE/PUBMED and the Virtual Health Library, published in the last 10 years, were consulted. The descriptors were located using the MeSH controlled vocabulary, namely: Leukoplakia; Erythroplakia, Actinic cheilitis, Oral lichen planus, Diagnosis, Therapeutics. Results:the clinical presentations of OPMDs are diverse. Leukoplakia is the most common and must be distinguished from proliferative verrucous leukoplakia which has a generalized clinical presentation and a tendency to reoccur after excision; erythroplakia, although rare, has a greater chance of becoming malignant. Actinic cheilitis frequently affects the lower lip, is strongly related to sun exposure and can progress to labial squamous cell carcinoma; oral lichen planus has a variety of clinical presentations, with the reticular form being the most common. The erosive, atrophic or bullous type is accompanied by different levels of pain. Biopsy is essential to confirm the clinical suspicion of OPMDs and timely referral to a specialist is indicated. Conclusion: OPMDs can be found during oral examination, thus enabling early diagnosis, correct referral to a specialist and appropriate intervention, which may reduce the rate of progression of these conditions to cancer.

Diagnostic study of actinic cheilitis by reflectance confocal microscopy / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To explore the clinical application value of reflectance confocal microscopy(RCM) in the diagnosis of actinic cheilitis(AC).@*Methods@#After approval by the hospital ethics committee and informed consent given by the patients, from October 2020 to July 2022, 17 patients who were diagnosed with actinic cheilitis in the Ninth People's Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed. The white keratotic lesions of the lips were scanned with reflectance confocal microscopy, and the image characteristics were summarized and analyzed, including epithelial hyperplasia/atrophy, hyperkeratosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, blood vessel dilatation, solar elastosis, atypical keratinocytes, widening of intercellular spaces, degeneration of basal cell layer, and pigmentation. We used the sample compliance rate to measure the correlation between RCM parameters and histopathological diagnostic criteria for AC and kappa concordance analysis to calculate the concordance between RCM and pathological diagnosis. @* Results@# Under RCM, the sample correct rates for epithelial hyperplasia/atrophy, hyperkeratosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, vasodilation, and solar elastosis were 76.5%, 100%, 100%, 64.7%, and 70.6%, the sample accuracy compared with pathological diagnosis was 82.4%, 47.1%, 94.1%, 88.2% and 76.5%, respectively. We also observed that 100%, 88.2%, 76.5%, and 88.2% of AC patients showed RCM features of atypical keratinocytes, widening of intercellular spaces, degeneration of the basal cell layer, and pigmentation, respectively. The kappa value of hyperkeratosis and inflammatory cell infiltration was 1. The kappa value of blood vessel dilatation was 0.645. @* Conclusion @#Reflectance confocal microscopy is noninvasive and versatile and has clinical application value in the diagnosis of actinic cheilitis.

Possible role of ALDH1 and CD44 in lip carcinogenesis

Abstract Lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) accounts for 12% of all head and neck cancers. It is caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet light solar radiation and related to previous actinic cheilitis (AC). This study aimed to investigate the immunostaining of the putative cancer stem cells (CSC) markers ALDH1 and CD44 in AC (n=30) and LSCC (n=20). ALDH1 positivity was found to be statistically higher in LSCC than in AC lesions (p=0.0045), whilst CD44 expression was statistically higher in AC than in LSCC lesions (p=0.0155). ALDH1+ cells in AC lesions were associated with specific clinical features: a younger age (<60 years old), the female gender, white skin, not smoking or consuming alcohol, and a fast evolution, and not associated with the chronic exposure to UV radiation (p<0.0001). CD44 positivity was associated with patients who were male, feoderm, smoked, consumed alcohol, underwent occupational exposure to UV-radiation, and demonstrated lesions with log-time evolution (p<0.0001). ALDH1 + cells were associated with mild dysplasia using a system from the World Health Organization (WHO), and with a low risk of malignant transformation, according to the binary system (p<0.0001). CD44+ cells were also associated with moderated dysplasia, according to the WHO system. In LSCC, ALDH1 + cells were positively associated with patients who were older (≥ 60 years old), smokers, and with those who consumed alcohol (p<0.0001). CD44 + cells in LSCC were associated with older (≥ 60 years old) patients as well, but also with female patients, white skin, non-smokers, and individuals who did not consume alcohol (p<0.0001), all of whom showed distinct patterns in pre- and malignant lesions of both markers. Additionally, in LSCC, both ALDH1 and CD44 staining were associated with smaller tumor sizes (T1/T2; p<0.0001). In summary, although both ALDH1 and CD44 were associated with the presence of dysplasia in AC lesions, the present findings suggest that ALDH1 and CD44 may be activated by different etiopathogenic pathways, predominantly in distinct steps of oral carcinogenesis. CD44 would thus be more significantly related to the potentially malignant lesion, while ALDH1 would be closely linked to malignancy.

Avaliação do conhecimento de acadêmicos da área da saúde sobre queilite actínica, como lesão precursora do câncer bucal / Evaluation of health academics' knowledge of actinic cheilitis as a precursor oral cancer injury

Dentre as doenças mais letais em todo o Brasil, o câncer encontra-se como um dos principais, podendo se desenvolver em diversas áreas. Com relação ao câncer bucal, ele é considerado um dos mais prevalentes. Podendo ser justificado em decorrência do estilo de vida adotado por muitos, como tabagismo, alcoolismo, má alimentação e exposição excessiva ao sol. Produzindo um aumento no número de casos de forma progressiva. Em grande parte dos casos de câncer bucal, há o aparecimento de lesões potencialmente malignas, destacando-se a leucoplasia, eritroplasia e queilite actínica. A queilite actínica, decorrente do excesso de radiação ultravioleta, é uma lesão potencialmente maligna, altamente prevalente em pessoas que estão propensas a esta exposição sendo frequente em áreas cuja atividade econômica está pautada na agricultura, que requer exposição à radiação solar, como o noroeste do Paraná. Portanto, é essencial que todos os profissionais de saúde saibam reconhecer este como sendo um fator causador do câncer bucal e fiquem atentos às mudanças que ocorrem previamente à malignização, principalmente, lesões em lábios, onde a queilite manifesta-se. Logo, é importante que os profissionais saibam reconhecê-la precocemente, devendo ser vislumbrado já durante a universidade. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar o conhecimento de acadêmicos de diferentes áreas da saúde, sobre sinais e sintomas da queilite actínica, que é uma das lesões cancerizáveis mais importantes e prevalentes... (AU)

Among the most lethal diseases in Brazil, cancer is one of the main and can develop in several areas. Re garding oral cancer, it is considered one of the most prevalent. It can be justified due to the lifestyle adopt ed by many, such as smoking, alcoholism, poor diet and excessive sun exposure. Producing an increase in the number of cases in a progressive way. In most cases of oral cancer, there is the appearance of poten tially malignant lesions, highlighting the leukoplakia and actinic cheilitis. Actinic cheilitis, resulting from excess ultraviolet radiation, is a potentially malignant lesion, highly prevalent in people who are prone to this exposure being frequent in areas whose economic activity is based on agriculture, which requires exposure to solar radiation, such as the northwest Paraná. Therefore, it is essential that all health professionals know how to recognize this as a factor causing oral cancer and be aware of the changes that occur prior to malignancy, especially lip lesions, where cheilitis manifests. Therefore, it is important that profes sionals know how to recognize it early, and should be glimpsed already during the university. Therefore, the objective of this work is to evaluate the knowledge of scholars from different health areas about signs and symptoms of actinic cheilitis which is one of the most important and prevalent cancerizable lesions... (AU)

Immunoexpression of human leukocyte antigen-DR in actinic cheilitis and lower lip squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) in actinic cheilitis (AC) and lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC), and to correlate the findings with clinical (tumor size/extent, regional lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage) and histopathological (grade of epithelial dysplasia and inflammatory infiltrate for AC and histopathological grade of malignancy for LLSCC) parameters. Twenty-four AC and 48 LLSCC cases (24 with regional nodal metastasis and 24 without regional nodal metastasis) were selected. The scores of immunopositive cells for HLA-DR in the epithelial component of the lesions were assessed and the results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Epithelial expression of HLA-DR was observed in only five (20.8%) cases of AC (two low-grade and three high-grade lesions), with a very low median score of immunopositivity. By contrast, expression of HLA-DR was found in most LLSCC (97.9%), with a relatively high median score of positive cells. The score of HLA-DR-positive cells tended to be higher in tumors with regional lymph node metastasis, tumors in advanced clinical stages, and low-grade tumors, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In addition, there was a tendency towards higher expression of HLA-DR in highly/moderately keratinized tumors, and tumors with little/moderate nuclear pleomorphism (p > 0.05). The results suggest a potential role of HLA-DR in lip carcinogenesis, particularly in the development and progression of LLSCC. The expression of this protein can be related to the degree of cell differentiation in these tumors.

Queilitis actínica: Reporte de tres casos y revisión de literatura / Actinic Cheilitis: Report of Three Cases and Review of Literature

RESUMEN La queilitis actínica (QA) es un desorden potencialmente maligno del labio inducido por la exposición crónica a la luz ultravioleta, que afecta principalmente al bermellón del labio inferior de personas adultas y de piel clara. Si no es tratada en forma oportuna puede transformarse en un carcinoma de células escamosas del labio. Histológicamente la QA presenta una serie de alteraciones a nivel epitelial que van desde hiperplasia a displasia; en el tejido conectivo se presentan distintos grados de elastosis actínica acompañada por infiltrado inflamatorio. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar tres casos de pacientes con QA y analizar sus características clínicas e histopatológicas.

ABSTRACT Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant lip disorder induced by chronic exposure to ultraviolet light, which mainly affects the vermilion of the lower lip of adults and fair skin. If it is not treated in a timely manner it can become a squamous cell carcinoma of the lip. Histologically, AC presents a series of alterations at the epithelial level ranging from hyperplasia to dysplasia; Connective tissue presents different degrees of actinic elastosis accompanied by inflammatory infiltrate. The objective of this work is to present three cases of patients with AC and analyze their clinical and histopathological characteristics.

Elastosis en la queilitis actínica. Revisión de literatura / Elastosis in Actinic Cheilitis. Literature Review

Resumen La matriz extracelular (MEC) juega un papel importante en la regulación de los eventos biológicos, tales como, el desarrollo de la migración celular, proliferación y diferenciación. La exposición crónica a la luz ultravioleta (UV) provoca elastosis (en distintos grados), que corresponde a una degeneración basófila de la MEC. La queilitis actínica (QA) es una lesión potencialmente maligna del labio inducida por la exposición regular y prolongada a la luz UV, que afecta principalmente al bermellón del labio inferior. Las lesiones de QA tienen un estroma complejo, se observa siempre la presencia de elastosis, infiltrado inflamatorio crónico de distinta intensidad y la aparición de vasos sanguíneos telangiectásicos. Dentro de este infiltrado inflamatorio se ha descrito un aumento significativo de mastocitos (MCs), localizados especialmente alrededor de las zonas de elastosis y en la zona subepitelial. Se ha propuesto que la elastosis actínica se produce tanto por procesos degenerativos como de síntesis anormal de fibras elásticas por parte de fibroblastos con daño solar, lo que va acompañado de cambios morfológicos del colágeno. A pesar de que el fibroblasto tendría un rol preponderante en la formación de la elastosis actínica, diversos estudios sugieren que otros tipos celulares como el MC también contribuirían en forma significativa al daño actínico de la MEC. El propósito de esta revisión es analizar las características de la elastosis en la QA.

Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the regulation of biological events, such as cell migration, proliferation and differentiation. Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light causes elastosis (to varying degrees), which corresponds to a basophilic degeneration of the ECM. Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant lip lesion induced by regular and prolonged exposure to UV light, which mainly affects the vermilion. AC lesions have a complex stroma characterized by the presence of elastosis, chronic inflammatory infiltrate of different intensity and the appearance of telangiectatic blood vessels. Within this inflammatory infiltrate a significant increase of mast cells (MCs) has been described, located especially around areas of elastosis and at the subepithelial zone. It has been proposed that actinic elastosis is produced both, by degenerative processes and by abnormal synthesis of elastic fibers by photodamaged fibroblasts, which is accompanied by morphological changes in collagen. Although the fibroblast would play a major role in actinic elastosis formation, several studies suggest that other cell types such as MCs also contribute significantly to actinic ECM damage. The purpose of this review is to discuss the characteristics of elastosis in AC.

Prevalence of and factors associated with actinic cheilitis in extractive mining workers

Abstract The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of actinic cheilitis among extractive mining workers and factors associated with the condition, especially the relationship between clinical appearance and the length of occupational exposure to sunlight. A cross-sectional study was performed in Dona Inês, Paraíba, Brazil between 2014 and 2015. A clinical examination, clinical photography and a questionnaire were applied to 201 extractive mining workers. The T-student's, ANOVA one-way, Fisher's exact and Pearson chi-squared tests were performed and the significance level was set at 5%. A high prevalence of actinic cheilitis was observed (38.8%). Length of occupational exposure to sunlight in months (169.63±112.68, p=0.002) was associated with actinic cheilitis. Most workers were Caucasian (p<0.001) and aged 37.41±12.15 years (p=0.004). The time of occupational exposure to sunlight was significant in relation to the following clinical features: atrophy (225.75±97.31; p=0.024); blurred demarcation between the vermilion border of the lip and the skin (186.68±113.15; p=0.032); vertical fissures (210.09±123.07; p=0.046); white and red spotting (199.51±91.80; p=0.004); hard consistency of the lip (225.81±122.34; p=0.012). A high prevalence of actinic cheilitis was found. Age and ethnicity were associated with the presence of AC. Severe clinical presentations of actinic cheilitis were found among participants who had worked for at least 185 months (approximately 15 years) exposed to the sun.

Resumo O objetivo foi determinar a prevalência de queilite actínica entre os trabalhadores extrativistas minerais e os fatores associados a esta lesão, principalmente a relação da aparência clínica da lesão com o tempo de exposição ocupacional à luz solar. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, entre 2014 e 2015, em Dona Inês / PB, localizado no Nordeste do Brasil. Foram aplicados um exame clínico, registro fotográfico e um questionário a 201 trabalhadores extrativistas minerais. Realizaram-se os testes "t" student, ANOVA, Exato de Fisher e Qui-quadrado de Pearson, o nível de significância foi de 5%. Observou-se alta prevalência de queilite actínica (38,8%). A duração da exposição ocupacional à luz solar, em meses, (169,63 ± 112,68, p = 0,002) foi associada à presença de queilite actínica. Estes trabalhadores eram, em sua maioria, brancos (p<0.001) com idade média de 37.41±12.15 anos (p=0.004). O tempo de exposição ocupacional à luz solar foi significativo em relação às seguintes características clínicas: atrofia (225,75 ± 97,31; p = 0,024); perda da demarcação entre o vermelhão do lábio e a borda da pele (186,68 ± 113,15; p = 0,032); Fissuras verticais (210,09 ± 123,07; p = 0,046); Manchas brancas e vermelhas (199,51 ± 91,80; p = 0,004); Consistência dura do lábio (225,81 ± 122,34; p = 0,012). Conclui-se que a prevalência de queilite actínica foi alta. A idade e a etnia foram fatores associados a presença de queilite actinica. Os participantes que haviam trabalhado pelo menos 185 meses (aproximadamente 15 anos) sob exposição ao sol, apresentaram manifestações clínicas graves da queilite actínica.

The clinical prevalence of actinic cheilitis among community health agents from the regional V subprefecture of Fortaleza / A prevalência da queilite actínica em agentes comunitários de saúde

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically the prevalence of Actinic Cheilitis in community health agents from the Regional V subprefecture of Fortaleza. Methods: The sample consisted of 333 community health workers exposed to the sun on a daily basis. The community health agents were evaluated through a questionnaire (with information about the individual, their occupations and habits) and a clinical examination in the first stage of the study. In the second stage, the Actinic Cheilitis lesions were classified according to the degree of severity, monitored and treated as needed. Both stages were performed by just one examiner. The data were tabulated in an Excel spreadsheet and evaluated by means of the G-test. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of Actinic Cheilitis was significantly associated with age, race / color and use of lip balm. A total of 101 (30.3%) community health agents were found to have normal labial mucosa, 195 (58.5%) had a mild alteration in Actinic Cheilitis, 34 (10.2%) with moderate Actinic Cheilitis and in 3 (0.9%) severe change was identified. Conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence of Actinic Cheilitis is high among the community health agents from the Regional V subprefecture of Fortaleza.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar clinicamente a prevalência da queilite actínica em agentes comunitários de saúde na Regional V de Fortaleza. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 333 agentes comunitários de saúde. Os agentes comunitários de saúde, expostos diariamente ao sol, receberam esclarecimentos sobre a lesão, responderam um questionário (com informações pessoais, ocupacionais e habituais) na primeira etapa do estudo. Na segunda etapa do estudo, foram avaliados clinicamente, tiveram as lesões suspeitas fotografadas e classificadas quanto ao grau de severidade, acompanhadas e tratadas de acordo com a necessidade. As duas etapas foram realizadas por um, único, examinador. Os dados foram tabulados em planilha Excel e avaliados pelo teste G. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram, que a prevalência da queilite actínica foi significativamente associada à faixa etária, etnia/cor e uso de protetor labial. Foram encontrados 101 (30,3%) agentes comunitários de saúde com mucosa labial normal, 195 (58,5%) com alteração discreta de queilite actínica, 34 (10,2%) portadores de queilite actínica, moderada e em 3 (0,9%) identificou-se alteração intensa. Conclusão: O estudo concluiu que a prevalência da queilite actínica, é alta entre os agentes comunitários de saúde da Regional V de Fortaleza

Prevalencia de queilitis actínica en pescadores artesanales,Valdivia, Chile / Prevalence of actinic cheilitis in artisanal fishermen, Valdivia, Chile

El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en determinar la prevalencia de Queilitis Actínica en pescadores artesanales de la ciudad de Valdivia, Chile. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal durante los meses de noviembre 2014 a abril 2015. La muestra fueron 180 pescadores previamente seleccionados a través de una muestra aleatoria simple, quienes fueron evaluados mediante un examen clínico y además completaron un cuestionario referente a datos personales y hábitos de salud. El 38,8 % de los pescadores artesanales presentó Queilitis Actínica. El 64,4 % de los pescadores revisados no utiliza protección solar mientras trabaja y todos los casos se ubicaron en el labio inferior. Los pescadores artesanales de la ciudad de Valdivia presentaron una prevalencia de Queilitis Actínica superior a las reportadas a nivel nacional. Nuestros resultados sugieren la implementación de políticas de salud pública centrados en la prevención de Queilitis Actínica en pescadores artesanales de la ciudad de Valdivia.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of actinic cheilitis in fishermen in the city of Valdivia, Chile 2015. A descriptive observational cross-sectional study was realized from November 2014 to April 2015. The sample included 180 fishermen, previously selected through a simple random sample. The subjects were evaluated by clinical examination and also completed a questionnaire on personal data and health habits. Of the total fishermen surveyed 38.8 % presented Actinic cheilitis. Furthermore, 64.4 % of the fishermen interviewed reported they do not use sun protection while working and all cases were located in the lower lip. The fishermen in Valdivia showed a higher prevalence of Actinic cheilitis than that found nationally. Our results suggest the implementation of public health policies focusing on the prevention of actinic cheilitis in artisanal fishermen in the city of Valdivia.

Two Cases of Actinic Cheilitis Clinically Mistaken for Candidal Infection / 대한의진균학회지

Candidiasis is a common fungal infection that usually affects the oral cavity. It is occasionally difficult to diagnose candidiasis because of its various clinical manifestations. Moreover, chronic inflammation of the lips can obscure clarification of its disease entity in patients with chronic cheilitis. Here we aimed to investigate patients with refractory chronic cheilitis who were initially diagnosed with candidiasis. We screened patients with lip lesions that were clinically suspected to have candidiasis. Our two 65-year-old patients with refractory chronic cheilitis were initially diagnosed with candidal infection. Punch biopsies were performed of the lesions and a diagnosis of actinic cheilitis was made in both patients. Since we did not note prominent improvement after conservative treatment and cryotherapy, we applied 0.015% ingenol mebutate gel for further treatment and then observed significant improvement.

Terapia fotodinámica para el tratamiento de lesiones orales potencialmente malignas / Photodynamic therapy for treatment of potentially malignant oral lesions

La terapia fotodinámica (TFD) es un método tópico, no invasivo y selectivo para lesiones orales potencialmente malignas, el objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica es el de revisar la evidencia científica existente sobre el empleo de la terapia fotodinámica (TFD) en el tratamiento de dichas lesiones orales. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Pubmed, limitando la búsqueda a los últimos 20 años. Se incluyeron 24 artículos entre estudios y reportes de casos. Utilizando diferentes fuentes de luz para la activación del fotosensibilizante acumulado en las células a tratar, prácticamente todos los estudios revisados encontraron buenos resultados, clínicos y estéticos, con efectos adversos leves (dolor) y con reducciones tanto de la incidencia como de la gravedad de las lesiones orales encontradas.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a topical, non-invasive and selective method for potentially malignant oral lesions. The aim of this article is to present a literature review of the scientific evidence for the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of these oral lesions. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, limiting the search to the last 20 years. Finally, 24 articles including studies and case reports were selected. Using different light sources for the activation of the photosensitising agent accumulated in the cells to treat, practically all of the studies reviewed showed good clinical and aesthetic results, with minor adverse effects (pain) and with reductions in both incidence and severity of the oral lesions found.

Estudo da expressão de CLIC4 e proteínas associadas em queilites actínicas e carcinomas de células escamosas de lábio inferior / Study of the expression of CLIC4 and associated proteins in actinic cheilitis and lower lip squamous cell carcinomas

A proteína do canal de cloro intracelular 4 (CLIC4) regula a passagens dos íons de cloro e relaciona-se com a proteína p53, fator de necrose tumoral α (TNF-α), fator de crescimento transformante-ß (TGF-ß) e com a diferenciação de fibroblastos em miofibroblastos (-SMA) em alguns cânceres humanos. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a expressão imuno-histoquímicade CLIC4 e proteínas associadas em queilitesactínicas (QA) e carcinomas de células escamosas de lábio inferior (CCELI), bem como verificar a relação destas entre si e com as características clínicas e morfológicas das lesões.A amostra foi composta de 50casos de QAs e 50de CCELIs com dados clínicos, que inicialmente foram submetidos ao estudo morfológico para sua gradação do risco de transformação maligna (sistema binário) e do grau histológico de malignidade (Bryne, 1992), respectivamente.Todos os casos foram submetidos ao método da imunoperoxidase usando os anticorpos paraCLIC4, p53, TGF-, TNF- e - SMA, os quais foram submetidos à análise semiquantitativa, com exceção de p53, que inicialmente foi analisado de forma quantitativa e em sequência categorizada como as demais. Para a análise da expressão de CLIC4 foi considerada sua localização celular.Comparações das imunomarcações com os parâmetros clínicos e morfológicos das lesões foram realizadas pelo teste U de Mann-Whitney e o coeficiente de Spearmanfoi calculado para avaliar correlações entre as proteínas. A expressão nuclear da CLIC4 e TGF-ß estava aumentadaem QAs de baixo risco, quando comparada ao grupo de alto risco (p<0.0001), enquantoCLIC4 citoplasmática,p53 e TNF-α exibiram maior expressão em QAs de alto risco (p<0.05). No que diz respeito às características clínicas e morfológicas dos CCELIs, a expressão de CLIC4 citoplásmatica foi maior nos casos apresentando metástase linfonodal, casos com estágios clínicos mais avançados ou com alto grau de malignidade (p = 0,005; p = 0,029; p<0,0001). A expressão de p53 foi maior em CCELIs de alto grau de malignidade (p= 0,001) e a TGF-ß diminuiu significativamente conforme o avanço do estágio clínico e do grau histológico dos tumores (p< 0,05).As QAs exibiram uma expressão aumentada de CLIC4 (no núcleo, ou núcleo e citoplasma) e TGF-ß, comparadas aos CCELIs (p < 0,0001). Em contraste, houve aumento na marcação de CLIC4 citoplasmática e α-SMA nos casos de CCELI, quando comparados às QAs (p < 0,0001).Nas QAs observou-se correlação negativa entre a expressão de CLIC4 nuclear ea CLIC4 citoplasmática (r = -0,554; p = <0,0001), e entre a marcação de TGF-ß e α-SMA (r = -0,309; p = 0,029). Nos carcinomas, a expressão de p53 exibiu correlação positiva com TNF-α (r = 0,528; p = 0,0001) e αSMA (r = 0,435; p = 0,002).Os nossos resultados sugeremque uma mudança no padrão de expressão nuclear para citoplasmática de CLIC4 está envolvida no processo decarcinogênese labial, acompanhada de alterações na expressão de p53, TGF-ß, TNF-α e α-SMA, e se relacionamcom alguns dos aspectos morfológicos e clínicos das QAs e CCELIs (AU).

The intracellular chloride channel protein 4 (CLIC4) regulates chloride ions and is related to p53, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß), and with the differentiation of fibroblasts in myofibroblasts (-SMA) in some human cancers. The objective of this study was to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of CLIC4 and associated proteins in actinic cheilites (AC) and squamous cell carcinomas of the lower lip (SCCLL), as well as to verific their relationship with each other and with the clinical and morphological characteristics of the lesions . The sample consisted of 50 cases of AC and 50 of SCCLL with clinical data, which were initially submitted to the morphological study for their gradation of malignant transformation risk (binary system) and histological grade of malignancy (Bryne, 1992). All cases were submitted to the immunoperoxidase method using CLIC4, p53, TGF-ß, TNF- and - SMA antibodies, which were submitted to semiquantitative analysis, except for p53, which was initially analyzed quantitatively and a categorized sequence like the others. For the analysis of CLIC4 expression, its cellular location was considered. Comparisons of the immunoblots with the clinical and morphological parameters of the lesions were performed by the Mann-Whitney U test and the Spearman coefficient was calculated to evaluate correlations between the proteins. Nucleic expression of CLIC4 and TGF-ß was increased in low-risk AC compared to high-risk group (p <0.0001), whereas cytoplasmic CLIC4, p53 and TNF-α showed higher expression in high-risk AC (p < 0.05). As regards the clinical and morphological characteristics of SCCLL, the expression of cytoplasmic CLIC4 was higher in cases presenting lymph node metastasis, cases with more advanced clinical stages or with a high degree of malignancy (p = 0.005, p = 0.029, p <0, 0001). Expression of p53 was higher in highgrade malignant SCCLL (p = 0.001) and TGF-ß decreased significantly as the clinical stage progressed and tumor grade histologically (p <0.05). Increased CLIC4 (in the nucleus, or nucleus and cytoplasm) and TGF-ß, compared to SCCLL (p <0.0001). In contrast, there was an increase in the labeling of cytoplasmic CLIC4 and α-SMA in SCCLL cases, when compared to AC (p <0.0001). In the AC, a negative correlation was observed between nuclear CLIC4 expression and cytoplasmic CLIC4 (r = -0.554, p = <0.0001), and between TGF-ß and α-SMA (r = -0,309; = 0.029). In carcinomas, p53 expression exhibited a positive correlation with TNF-α (r = 0.528, p = 0.0001) and αSMA (r = 0.435, p = 0.002). Our results suggest that a change in CLIC4 cytoplasmic nuclear expression pattern is involved in the process of lip carcinogenesis, accompanied by changes in the expression of p53, TGF-ß, TNF-α and α-SMA, and are related to some of the morphological aspects and clinicians of AC and SCCLL (AU).

Avaliação da expressão de ß-catenina e ciclina D1 como biomarcadores preditivos para o câncer de lábio / Evaluation of ß-catenin and cyclin D1 expression as predictive biomarkers for lip cancer

Um dos objetivos da pesquisa científica, atualmente, é encontrar biomarcadores que possam auxiliar na definição da probabilidade de progressão das lesões orais displásicas, e ainda sejam capazes de identificar os principais agentes moleculares envolvidos na carcinogênese de um determinado tipo de tumor. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a expressão de ß-catenina, ciclina D1 e Ki-67 em 15 espécimes de epitélio oral normal, 45 queilites actínicas displásicas e em 30 carcinomas espinocelulares de lábio. Essa amostra foi constituída por pacientes tratados na Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu (Brasil) e no Hospital Clínico San Cecílio de Granada (Espanha). O grau de displasia epitelial e de diferenciação tumoral foi classificado com base nos critérios definidos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. A avaliação dos biomarcadores foi realizada por meio da técnica imunohistoquímica, dividindo a espessura do epitélio em quatro compartimentos (basal, suprabasal, terço médio e terço superior) para o grupo controle e para as queilites actínicas e em três compartimentos (basal, suprabasal e região interna) para o grupo dos carcinomas espinocelulares de lábio. Para a comparação da média de expressão de cada marcador, nas diferentes localizações do epitélio foi utilizado o teste estatístico de Kruskal-Wallis. Para a correlação da expressão dos três marcadores entre os grupos foi utilizada a correlação de Spearman, com nível de significância de 5%. Os resultados demonstraram uma perda discreta da expressão membranosa de ß-catenina na camada basal das queilites actínicas com displasia epitelial intensa (Cis) e nos carcinomas espinocelulares de lábio, assim como uma expressão citoplasmática e nuclear, discreta e diretamente proporcional à desorganização epitelial nas camadas basal e suprabasal das queilites actínicas e carcinomas espinocelulares de lábio. Notou-se também um aumento da expressão de ciclina D1 e Ki-67 na camada basal à medida que aumentava a desorganização epitelial. Houve uma associação estatisticamente significativa da expressão de ciclina D1 e Ki-67 na camada suprabasal do grupo controle (p=0,030) e das queilites actínicas (p=0,001) e ainda na região interna dos carcinomas espinocelulares de lábio (p=0,000). Não houve correlação significativa entre as expressões nucleares de ß-catenina e de ciclina D1. Nossos resultados reforçam que a ß-catenina, a ciclina D1 e o Ki-67, podem ser utilizados como biomarcadores preditivos para o câncer de lábio. Além disso, sugerem que a ß-catenina e a ciclina D1 participam da carcinogênese labial, em eventos independentes da via de sinalização/Wnt.(AU)

One of the goals of scientific research today is to find predictive biomarkers that can help define the probability of progression of dysplastic oral lesions, and are still able to identify key molecular agents involved in the carcinogenesis of a particular type of tumor. The objective of this study was to investigate ß-catenin, cyclin D1 and Ki-67 expression in 15 specimens of normal oral epithelium, 45 dysplastic actinic cheilitis and 30 squamous cell carcinoma of the lip. This sample consisted of patients treated at the Botucatu Medicine School (Brazil) and the Clinical Hospital San Cecilio of Granada (Spain). The degree of epithelial dysplasia and tumor differentiation was classified based on the criteria defined by the World Health Organization. The evaluation of biomarkers was performed by immunohistochemical technique, dividing the thickness of the epithelium into four compartments (basal, suprabasal, middle third and upper third) for the control group and actinic cheilitis and three compartments (basal, suprabasal and inner region) to the group of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip. For comparing the average expression of each marker in different locations of the epithelium we used the statistical test of Kruskal-Wallis. For the correlation of the three markers expression between the groups was used Spearman, with 5% significance level. The results showed a slight loss of membranous expression of ß-catenin in the basal layer of actinic cheilitis with severe epithelial dysplasia (Cis) and squamous cell carcinoma of the lip, and a cytoplasmic and nuclear expression, slight and directly proportional to the epithelial disorganization in layers basal and suprabasal of actinic cheilitis and squamous cell carcinoma of the lip. It was also noted an increase in expression of cyclin D1 and Ki-67 in the basal layer as increased epithelial disorganization. There was a statistically significant association of cyclin expression D1 and Ki-67 in the suprabasal layer of the control group (p=0.030) and actinic cheilitis (p=0.001) and also in the inner region of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip (p=0.000). There was no significant correlation between the nuclear expression of ß-catenin and cyclin D1. Our results emphasize that ß-catenin, cyclin D1 and Ki-67 can be used as predictive biomarkers for lip cancer. Moreover, they suggest that ß-catenin and cyclin D1 acts on the lip carcinogenesis, in independent events signaling pathway/Wnt.(AU)

Immunohistochemical Differentiation between Actinic Cheilitis and Lichen Planus of the Lips / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to distinguish between actinic cheilitis and lichen planus histologically, because both types of lesions exhibit variable degrees of epidermal dysplasia and dermal lichenoid inflammation. There is currently no consensus on suitable immunohistochemical markers for distinguishing these 2 conditions. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine histological features and immunohistochemical markers that could be used to differentiate actinic cheilitis from lichen planus. METHODS: Fifteen cases of actinic cheilitis and 11 cases of lichen planus of the lips were included in the study. Histological changes such as parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, atrophy, acanthosis, ulceration, necrosis, dermal solar elastosis, degrees of epidermal dysplasia and dermal inflammatory cell infiltration were examined. Verhoeff-van Gieson stained sections were quantified for the degree of elastosis using computer software. The following immunohistochemical markers were stained for: bcl-2, Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase, matrix metalloproteinase-3, matrix metalloproteinase-9, CD4, CD8, c-kit, and prolyl-4-hydroxylase. RESULTS: The only histologically appreciable difference between the diseases was the degree of epidermal dysplasia. No differences were observed with respect to solar elastosis using the Verhoeff-van Gieson stain. We found that cell proliferation markers such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 were more highly expressed in actinic cheilitis than in lichen planus. In addition, the number of c-kit-positive cells observed in actinic cheilitis was significantly higher than in lichen planus. The expression levels of the other tested markers were not significantly different between the 2 diseases. CONCLUSION: The immunohistochemical markers proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Ki-67, and c-kit may help to differentiate actinic cheilitis from lichen planus of the lips.

Densidade dos mastócitos em lesões de quelite actínica / Densidad de los mastocitos en las lesiones de la queilitis actínica / Density of mast cells in lesions of actinic cheilitis

Objetivo: analisar a densidade dos mastócitos em Queilite Actínica segundo as características histológicas da lesão comparando com a mucosa normal. Método: estudo descritivo onde a amostra foi composta por dois grupos, sendo o primeiro com 33 espécimes de casos de queilite actínica diagnosticados clinicamente, e o segundo composto por 9 espécimes de mucosa oral normal, registrados no Serviço de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço do Hospital Dr. Napoleão Laureano, João Pessoa, PB. Os blocos parafinados da amostra foram cortados e corados em Hematoxilina e Eosina para avaliar o grau de displasia epitelial e infiltrado inflamatório; e por azul de toluidina para quantificar os mastócitos. A contagem dos mastócitos foi realizada com o auxilio de um retículo quadrado em 8 campos por caso. A leitura final foi expressa com o valor médio de mastócitos por caso em células/µm². Os dados foram analisados pelo SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) versão 15.0. Resultados: em 57,6 porcento dos casos houve algum grau de displasia epitelial, sendo 39,4 porcento leve, 15,2 porcento moderada e 3 porento severa. Em 21,2 porcento havia carcinoma de células escamosas. A presença de infiltrado inflamatório e elastose solar foi observada em 84,9 porcento e 81,8 porcento dos casos, respectivamente. Os mastócitos foram identificados em 87,8 porcento da amostra. A densidade dos mastócitos nos casos de queilite actínica foi de 17,4±10,4 células/µm² e no tecido normal 1,78±1,64 células/µm² (p<0,001). Houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre densidade de mastócitos com os processos de displasia (p=0,004) e infiltrado inflamatório (p=0,000). Conclusão: o aumento da densidade dos mastócitos nas lesões de queilite actínica, em relação a mucosa normal, e sua correlação com os processos de displasia e inflamação sugerem participação dessas células na progressão da doença para Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de lábio(AU)

Objective: analyze the density of mast cells in Actinic cheilitis according to the histological characteristics of the lesion compared with the normal mucosa. Methods: descriptive study where the sample consisted of two groups, the first with 33 specimens of cases of actinic cheilitis diagnosed clinically, and the second consists of 9 specimens of normal oral mucosa, registered in the Service of Head and Neck Hospital Dr. Napoleon Laureano, João Pessoa, PB. The paraffin blocks of the sample were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to assess the degree of dysplasia and inflammatory infiltrate, and toluidine blue to quantify mast cells. The count of mast cells was performed with the aid of a square grid in the case of field 8. The final reading was expressed with an average value of mast cells by case / µm². Data were analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 15.0. Results: in 57.6 percent of cases there was some degree of dysplasia, and 39.4 percent mild, 15.2 percent moderate and 3 percent severe. 21.2 percent had squamous cell carcinoma. The presence of inflammatory infiltrate and solar elastosis was observed in 84.9 percent and 81.8 percent , respectively. Mast cells were identified in 87.8 percent of the sample. The density of mast cells in cases of Actinic Cheilitis was 17.4 ± 10.4 cells / µm² and 1.78 ± 1.64 normal tissue cells / µm² (p <0.001). There was a statistically significant correlation between mast cell density with the processes of dysplasia (p = 0.004) and inflammatory cell infiltration (p = 0.000). Conclusion: the increase in mast cell density in actinic cheilitis lesions and its correlation with the processes of inflammation and dysplasia suggest involvement of these cells in disease progression for Squamous Cell Carcinoma lip(AU)

Objetivo: analizar la densidad de los mastocitos en la queilitis actínica según las características histológicas de la lesión en comparación con la mucosa normal. Métodos: estudio descriptivo donde la muestra consistió en dos grupos, el primero con 33 muestras de casos de queilitis actínica diagnosticados clínicamente, y el segundo se compone de 9 muestras de mucosa oral normal. Los casos estaba registardos en el servicios de Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello del Hospital Dr. Napoleón Laureano, Joao Pessoa, PB. Los bloques de parafina de la muestra fueron cortados y teñidos con hematoxilina y eosina para evaluar el grado de displasia epitelial e infiltrado inflamatorio; y azul de toluidina para cuantificar los mastocitos. El recuento de células cebadas se realizó con la ayuda de una red cuadrada en 8 campos por caso. La lectura final se expresó con valor medio de mastocitos por células / m² ·. Los datos fueron analizados con el programa SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) versión 15.0. Resultados: En el 57,6 por ciento de los casos hubo algún grado de displasia epitelial, y 39,4 por ciento leve, 15,2 por ciento moderada y el 3 por ciento severa. El 21,2 por ciento tenían carcinoma de células escamosas. Se observó la presencia de infiltrado inflamatorio y elastosis solar en 84,9 por ciento y 81,8 por ciento, respectivamente. Se identificaron células cebadas en 87,8 por ciento de la muestra. La densidad de los mastocitos en los casos de queilitis actínica fue 17,4 ± 10,4 células / m² · tejido normal y 1.78 ± 1.64 células / m² · (p <0,001). Hubo una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre la densidad de los mastocitos con procesos de displasia (p = 0,004) y el infiltrado inflamatorio (p = 0,000). Conclusión: El aumento de la densidad de los mastocitos en la queilitis actínica, en comparación con mucosa normal, y su correlación con los procesos de displasia y la inflamación sugiere el papel de estas células en la progresión de la enfermedad para el Carcinoma de células escamosas(AU)

Actinic cheilitis: Epidemiological study in a riverine population of northern Brazil

AIM: The aim of this survey was to assess the prevalence of AC in riverine population in countryside of Amazonas, northern Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients answered a questionnaire and were examined between January and December of 2008. Data were gathered on the following participant's characteristics: 1) age group; 2) gender; 3) ethnicity 4) outdoor activities (sunlight exposure); 5) smoking habits; 6) drinking habits; and 7) access to oral health services (the last dental visit). Clinical observation of the lips for determination of AC presence was used. Patients who presented clinical manifestation of moderate and severe AC were submitted to incisional biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In case of a positive result after histopathological examination, patients were advised and appropriate treatment was offered. All patients received information about AC and its prevention. RESULTS: Among the 200 participants that were examined, the prevalence of AC was 2% (4 cases). Of all patients surveyed, women were the majority totalizing 124 patients (72.0%). According to age, 48 (24.0%) people were 20-34 year-old; 42 (21.0%) were 35-44-year-old; 50 (25.0%) were 45-60-year-old; and 60 (30.0%) were 61 or older. CONCLUSION: Even though AC was present in a low prevalence rate, an epidemiological variety is expected, once geographic and ethnic differences should be considered.

Actinic Cheilitis and Lip Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Clinical and, Histopathological Aspects and p53 Protein Expression / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Actinic cheilitis (AC) is the main precancerous lesion of the lip. Knowledge of prognostic and diagnostic markers can have positive impacts, although the exact transition rate from AC to lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed 59 patients to investigate the relationship between clinical and histopathological features and the expression of the p53 protein in AC and LSCC. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 59 patients who received biopsy for AC and LSCC between January 2005 and December 2012 and compared clinical and histopathological features of AC and LSCC. RESULTS: The ratios of males to females for AC and LSCC were 1.3:1 and 1.7:1. The mean ages of those with AC and LSCC were 66.4 and 70.1 years. All of the lesions involved the lower lip, and the most frequently affected site was the right side of the lip in LSCC. Persistent fissures with scales and exudative ulcers were noted 90.6% and 43.7% of the AC cases, respectively. The intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate was significantly associated with the degree of epithelial dysplasia. Most LSCCs (96.2%) were immunoreactive to the p53 protein. The intensities of AC and LSCC p53 protein expression were 1.1 and 2.4. The degree of epithelial dysplasia was the only histopathological finding significantly associated with p53 protein expression. CONCLUSION: An intense inflammatory infiltrate in AC was predictive of a microinvasive SCC. Therefore, p53 protein immunoreactivity may be an important indicator in lip carcinogenesis and the degree of epithelial dysplasia.

Prevalencia de queilitis actínica en trabajadores expuestos a radiación ultravioleta en Talca, Chile / Prevalence of actinic cheilitis in chilean workers exposed to ultraviolet radiation

El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la prevalencia de queilitis actínica (QA) y factores asociados en trabajadores expuestos a radiación UV solar en la ciudad de Talca, Chile. Se examinaron 151 trabajadores, donde un 16.6 por ciento presentó QA. Todas las lesiones se presentaron en el labio inferior. El 40 por ciento de los casos poseía una edad entre 50 y 59 años y el 96 por ciento de los pacientes diagnosticados trabajaba más de 6 horas diarias expuestos al sol. El 56 por ciento de los diagnósticos de QA presentaron un historial 20 o más años totales de exposición a radiación UV por motivos laborales. El 56 por ciento de los casos de QA presentaron antecedentes de hábito de fumar. Los principales signos presentes en los casos de QA fueron la sequedad (100 por ciento), esfumación del margen del bermellón (88 por ciento) y el edema labial (84 por ciento). La mayoría de las lesiones fueron asintomáticas (60 por ciento).

The objective of this research is to determine the prevalence of actinic cheilitis (AC) and associated factors in workers exposed to solar UV radiation in the city of Talca (Chile). A total of 151 workers, of which 16.6 percent exhibited AC, were examined. All lesions appeared on the lower lip. The 40 percent of cases aged between 50-59 years and 96 percent of patients diagnosed worked up to 6 hours daily exposed to the sun. 56 percent of the diagnoses of AC had a history of 20 or more years of exposure to UV radiation for work. 56 percent of cases of AC had a history of smoking. Major signs present in the AC cases were the dryness (100 percent), blurred demarcation between the lip vermilion border and the skin (88 percent) and labial edema (84 percent). Most lesions were asymptomatic (60 percent).

Terapia fotodinámica en queilitis actínica, experiencia de hospital clínico Universidad de Chile / Photodynamic therapy in actinic cheilitis, clinical hospital of the University Chile experience

Introducción: La queilitis actínica (QA) es una lesión pre-neoplásica secundaria al fotodaño solar, que afecta al labio inferior. La Terapia fotodinámica (TFD) es un tratamiento promisorio en QA con buenos resultados tanto clínicos, que se han confirmado con hallazgos histopatológicos, así como cosméticos. Material y método: Serie de casos. Se presentan 3 casos de pacientes de sexo femenino tratados con TFD, en donde se utilizó ácido metil aminolevulínico en forma oclusiva y con protección de la luz 3 horas antes de la aplicación de la luz roja con lámpara Aktilite™, en el Hospital clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre los años 2008 y 2012. Se realizaron biopsias de control al final de la TFD para confirmar curación. Resultados: Se obtuvo el 100 por ciento de respuesta clínica en los 3 pacientes con un máximo de seguimiento de 33 meses en uno, sin evidencia de recidiva clínica ni histopatológica, con escasos efectos colaterales, buena aceptación y conformidad por parte de los pacientes. Conclusión: La TFD es una buena alternativa en el manejo de la QA con excelentes resultados y mínimos efectos colaterales. Los excelentes resultados clínicos se confirman con la histopatología, por lo cual se recomendaría su uso, previa biopsia, que descarte un carcinoma invasor concurrente. Queda aún por definir los intervalos de tratamiento y su duración.

Introduction: Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a pre-neoplasic lesion secondary to sun photodamage, that affect the inferior lip. Photodinamic therapy (PDT) is a promissory way of treatment inAC which has proven to be successful both clinical, and by histopatologic findings, as well as in cosmetic results. Materials and methods: Case series. Three cases are presented; female patients treated with PDT using methyl aminolevulinic acid in an occlusive way and protected from the light three hours before the application of red light using the Aktilite™ lamp. The trial was perfomed at the Clinical hospital of the University Chile of between the years 2008 and 2012. Control biopsies were made at the end of the PDT to confirm resolution. Results: 100 percent of clinical response was obtained in the three patients with a maximal follow-up of 33 months in one of the patients. No evidence of neither clinical nor histopathological reappearance was found fewer side effects, good reception and acceptance from the patients. Conclusion: PDT is a good alternative for the management of the AC with excellent results and minimal side effects. The outstanding clinical results are confirmed by histopathology, suggesting its use prior ruling out concurrent invasive carcinoma. Nevertheless, still reminds to define the treatments intervals and its duration.