Malignant Transformation of Actinic Cheilitis: A Decade-long Retrospective Study in Southern Brazil

Actinic cheilitis (AC), an oral potentially malignant oral disorder (OPMD), predominantly affects fair-skinned individuals, particularly males, with a higher prevalence in their sixth and seventh decades. In the Southeast region of Brazil, oral cancer ranks as the fourth most common tumor among males, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) constituting 90% to 95% of lip tumor cases, primarily impacting the lower lip. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the malignant transformation rate in previously diagnosed AC patients between 2008 and 2018, utilizing biopsy records. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of lip lesion patients at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DOMS) during the stated period, collecting demographic and medical data for analysis. Among the 224 analyzed AC cases, 67.8% were male, with an average age of 65 years. Approximately 87.6% of patients reported occupational exposure to AC-associated risk factors. Malignant transformations occurred in 27 patients (12.05%). Our study underscores the possible effect of early intervention and preventive measures in stabilizing AC lesions and averting their progression to malignancy. These findings underscore the significance of prompt AC diagnosis and management to mitigate the risk of malignant transformation. Actinic cheilitis, oral squamous cell carcinoma, malignant transformation.