Early diagnosis of lip cancer preceded by a persistent actinic lesion in a kidney transplant patient: a case report
Oliveira, F.Artur.Forte.; Fernandes, C.Pessoa.; Alves, A.Paula.Negreiros.Nunes.; Mota, M.Rogerio.Lima.; Fernandes, P.Frassinetti.Castelo.Branco.Camurca.; Sousa, F.Bitu.
General Dentistry 62(4): E26-E29
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0363-6771 PMID: 24983181 Document Number: 672334
Lip cancer is 65 times more likely to occur in kidney transplant patients than in members of the general population. Immunosuppression drugs taken by the transplant patients have been associated with this increased occurrence. This case report shows the progression from actinic cheilosis to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the lower lip of a 58-year-old man receiving immunosuppressive therapy 9 years after undergoing a kidney transplant. Earlier incisional biopsies had resulted in a histological diagnosis of actinic cheilosis. However, the last incisional biopsy showed histological results compatible with SCC, and oncological surgery was performed. Eight months post-surgery, the patient was free of cancer and metastasis. Frequent dental follow-up visits allowed for the early diagnosis, proper treatment, and an improved prognosis for this patient.