Overview
Lip cancer is a type of mouth (oral) cancer that occurs on the skin of the lips. It can develop on the upper or lower lip, but is most common on the lower lip. The majority of lip cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which originate in the thin, flat cells called squamous cells in the middle and outer layers of the skin. Risk factors for lip cancer include excessive sun exposure and tobacco use. To reduce your risk, you can protect your face from the sun with a hat or sunblock and quit smoking. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer, with careful planning and reconstruction to preserve appearance and function after the surgery.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of lip cancer may include a flat or slightly raised whitish discoloration of the lip, a sore on your lip that won't heal, and tingling, pain, or numbness of the lips or the skin around the mouth. If you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you, it's important to make an appointment with your doctor.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing lip cancer include tobacco use of any kind, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff, fair skin, excessive sun exposure to your lips, and a weakened immune system.
Development
Lip cancer typically develops from squamous cells, which are flat, thin cells found in the middle and outer layers of the skin on the lips. These cells are called squamous cell carcinomas. Lip cancer can also develop from glandular cells, which are found in the mouth and produce saliva, but this is less common. The cancer cells can grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can invade and destroy normal body tissue. In some cases, the cancer cells may spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms of lip cancer, such as a flat or raised whitish discoloration of the lip, a sore on your lip that won't heal, tingling, pain, or numbness of the lips or the skin around the mouth. These symptoms may indicate lip cancer, and it's important to consult with a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of lip cancer typically involves a physical exam, removal of a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy), and imaging tests such as CT, MRI, or PET scans. During the physical exam, the doctor will examine the lip, mouth, face, and neck for signs of cancer. The biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue for laboratory testing to determine if cancer is present and its aggressiveness. Imaging tests help determine if the cancer has spread beyond the lip.
Management and Treatment
Prevention
There are measures you can take to reduce your risk of lip cancer. You can lower your risk by avoiding tobacco use, protecting your face from excessive sun exposure, and using sunscreen. Additionally, avoiding tanning beds can help minimize your risk. By following these preventive steps, you can take proactive measures to lower the likelihood of developing lip cancer.
Home Remedies
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of lip cancer. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer, and prevention measures are focused on minimizing risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive sun exposure, and fair skin.
Treatment
Treatment for lip cancer usually involves surgery to remove the cancer. For small lip cancers, surgery may be a minor procedure with minimal impact on your appearance. For larger lip cancers, more extensive surgery may be necessary. Careful planning and reconstruction can preserve your ability to eat and speak normally, and also achieve a satisfactory appearance after surgery.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for lip cancer, you should:
- Ask about any pre-appointment restrictions: At the time you make the appointment, inquire if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restricting your diet.
- Write down any symptoms you have, including those that may seem unrelated to lip cancer.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor. These could include:
- Can you explain my test results?
- What is the stage of my lip cancer?
- What are my treatment options?
- What side effects are likely with each treatment?
- How will treatment affect my daily life?
- Which treatment options do you think are best for me?
- How likely is it that I'll achieve remission with the treatments recommended?
- Should I get a second opinion from a specialist? Will insurance cover it?
- Are there brochures or other printed material I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
- Make a list of key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Bring a family member or friend along to help remember information provided during the appointment.
- Write down any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, including dosages and reasons for taking them. Remember to prioritize your most important questions and be prepared to discuss any symptoms or concerns you have. This will help you make the most of your time with your doctor.