A 70-year-old woman presents with a rough, scaly patch on her lower lip that has been present for several months. She has a history of extensive sun exposure. What could be the potential diagnosis and next steps?
Given the patient's history of sun exposure and the description of a rough, scaly patch on her lower lip, a likely diagnosis is actinic keratosis. This is a precancerous skin condition that can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. It's crucial to perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed, treatment options may include cryotherapy, topical creams, chemical peeling, or photodynamic therapy.