[Cryosurgical treatment of precancerous cheilitis abrasiva]

Between 1984 and 1988, 44 patients suffering from cheilitis abrasiva praecancerosa were treated with cryosurgery using a nitrous oxide cryoprobe. A single treatment proved sufficient in 35 patients (80%). 9 patients (20%) developed a recurrent lesion 4 to 28 months after cryosurgery. All recurrences appeared within the first year. On account of the recidivity of the disease, we recommend a careful follow-up of the patients. On the other hand, cryosurgery has the advantage that it can be applied in elderly persons as well as in patients with concomitant internal diseases. In pracancerous lesions, the common drawbacks of a surgical therapy such as diminution of the lower lip and impairment of the superficial sensitivity can be avoided with the help of this technique. Invasive carcinomas of the lower lip, however, should not be treated with cryosurgery.