Assembling a consensus on actinic cheilitis: A Delphi study. (9th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seoane, Juan; Warnakulasuriya, Saman; Bagán, José Vicente; Aguirre‐Urizar, José Manuel; López‐Jornet, Pía; Hernández‐Vallejo, Gonzalo; González‐Moles, Miguel Ángel; Pereiro‐Ferreiros, Manuel; Seoane‐Romero, Javier; Varela‐Centelles, Pablo
• Is Part Of: Journal of oral pathology & medicine. Volume 50:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 962
• Page End: 970
• Publication Date: 2021-06-09
• Subjects: actinic cheilitis -- consensus -- Delphi study -- potentially malignant oral disorder; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Teeth -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1111/jop.13200
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0904-2512

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: To discuss the terminology to define and classify actinic cheilitis (AC) and to build a consensus on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to AC. Methods: Two‐round Delphi study using a questionnaire including 34 closed sentences (9 on terminology and taxonomy, 5 on potential for malignant transformation, 12 on diagnostic aspects, 8 on treatment) and 8 open questions. Experts' agreement was rated using a Likert scale (1–7). Results: A consensus was reached on 24 out 34 statements (73.5%) and on 5 out of 8 (62.5%) close‐ended questions. The response rate was identical in both rounds (attrition of 0%). AC is the term with the highest agreement (median of 7 (strongly agree; IQR: 6–7)) and the lowest dispersion (VC = 21.33). 'Potentially malignant disorder' was the preferred classification group for AC (median of 7) and 85.6% of participants showing some level of agreement (CV < 50). Experts (66.75%) consider AC a clinical term (median: 7; IQR: 4–7) and believe definitive diagnosis can be made clinically (median: 6; IQR: 5–7), particularly by inspection and palpation (median: 5; IQR: 4–6). Histopathological confirmation is mandatory for the management of AC (median: 5; IQR: 2.5–7), even for homogeneous lesions (median: 5; IQR: 3.5–6). Consensus was reached on all treatment statements (VC < 50). Conclusions: AC is a potentially malignant disorder with a significant lack of agreement on diagnostic criteria, procedures, biopsy indications and the importance of techniques to assist in biopsy. A consensus was reached on nomenclature and management of this disorder.