Actinic Cheilitis

Actinic Cheilitis

  • Overview
  • Approach
  • Who We Treat
  • Appointments
  • Doctors
  • Locations

    • Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a precancerous condition affecting the lip that may develop into a squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) of the lip if left untreated. Skin cancer in this area may be dangerous and spread to lymph nodes and may require extensive surgery.

    Our Approach

    In order to stop the progression of actinic cheilitis into a true skin cancer, we treat patients with our carbon dioxide laser to literally vaporize the precancerous tissue, cleanly removing it before it has a chance to turn into skin cancer. The procedure is performed following a couple of injections to numb the lip and it takes only a few minutes. While not generally painful, the healing process involves frequent applications of Vaseline® or Aquaphor® Healing Ointment and may take about three weeks.

    Who We Treat

    To be treated for actinic cheilitis, patients must have undergone a biopsy by their primary physician or dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis. The pathology report will be reviewed by our team during your initial consultation visit and a date for the laser procedure will be planned at that time.

    Appointment Information

    Treatment for Actinic Cheilitis at U-M Health is offered by:

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Milad Jalal Eshaq, MD

    Milad Jalal Eshaq, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    MOHS Micrographic Surgery, Dermatology

    Jennifer Brescoll Mancuso, MD

    Jennifer Brescoll Mancuso, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Pediatric Dermatology, Dermatology

    Jeffrey Scott Orringer, MD

    Jeffrey Scott Orringer, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Dermatology

    Locations
    • Cosmetic Dermatology & Laser Center | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
      Floor 1 Reception B
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5314       Get Directions

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