Actinic cheilitis and carcinoma of the lip

During dental examinations, the lips are readily overlooked. Dentists should routinely examine the lips visually and by palpation. Actinic cheilitis is a common condition caused by damage to the lips through exposure to sunlight, and is readily diagnosed clinically. Its progress can be minimized by the use of an appropriate sun screen when outdoors. Actinic cheilitis can undergo malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma. The clinical features and management of these conditions are described.