Lip Cancer

Overview

Lip cancer is a form of oral cancer that occurs on the skin of the lips, typically the lower lip. The majority of lip cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which arise from the thin, flat squamous cells in the outer layers of the skin. Risk factors include excessive sun exposure and tobacco use. Preventive measures, such as avoiding tobacco and using sun protection, can significantly lower the risk of lip cancer.

What Is Lip Cancer?

Lip cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lips multiply excessively, forming masses or lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of lip cancer, accounting for about 90% of all cases, whereas basal cell carcinoma and melanoma are less frequent.

Location: Lower lip is the site in most of the cases.
Appearance: It often begins as a sore, blister, ulcer, or lump that will not heal.

Common Symptoms of Lip Cancer

Lip cancer can look like a mouth sore in its early stages. It is not like cold sores, which will heal on their own. The lesions of lip cancer do not heal.

Symptoms include:

- A flat or slightly raised discolored spot on the lips.
- Persistent sore, blister, or lump that does not heal.
- Pain, numbness, or tingling on the lips or in the mouth.

• Bleeding or thickening lips.
• Loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures.
• Swelling in the jaw.

Causes of Lip Cancer

The precise cause of lip cancer is unknown, but it starts with mutations in the DNA of lip cells that cause them to multiply uncontrollably. This may lead to tumor formation and spread to other parts of the body.

What are the Known Risk Factors

- Tobacco: Smoking or the use of chewing tobacco is significantly risk-increasing.

- Alcoholism: In addition to tobacco, it increases the risk by as much as 30-fold.

- Sunlight: Exposure to UV rays and tanning beds are the leading causes.

- People with light skin tones have a higher predisposition.

• Age: This most occurs with older age in excess of 40, or about those of age between their 50's to 60's.
• Gender: In cases that develop with an individual, one that has been male.
• Low Immune status: Status and any situation causing weakened state are increased to form such risk factor .

Diagnosis and Tests

How is lip cancer diagnosed?

Lip cancer is often diagnosed in routine dental or dermatological exams. The physician may order the following diagnostic tests:

• Physical Exam: Lips, mouth, and surrounding areas are examined for abnormalities.
• Soft Tissue Biopsy: Tissue sample analysis confirms the presence of cancer.
• Imaging Tests: CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs to check the spread of tumors.
• Endoscopy: A flexible camera examines the throat for signs of cancer.

Staging determines the extent of cancer and guides treatment. Early detection often ensures better outcomes, as lip cancer typically progresses slowly.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on cancer's stage and severity. Common approaches include:

• Removal of tumors and affected lymph nodes. Often effective for early-stage cancer.
• Targets cancer cells with external or internal radiation.
• Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, especially in advanced stages or alongside radiation. Targets specific genes or proteins in cancer cells. Boosts the immune system to fight cancer, used for advanced cases.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of lip cancer with these preventive measures:

• Avoid Tobacco: Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco. Limit Alcohol Use: Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Keep those lips in the shade.
• Wear those wide-brimmed hats.
• Lip balm must have an SPF of at least 30
• Avoid Tanning Beds Exposure to UV light doubles the risk for cancer
• Routine Screenings Visits to both your dentist and physician may even detect signs of lip cancer very early on.