Often, you’ll never even notice that you have cancer of the lips. These lesions are similar to cold sores, which typically heal within 10 days. But if you do notice a lump, blister, ulcer, or sore, you should visit your doctor. It is possible to treat the cancer early on, when it is not too far advanced. However, if you wait until it has spread and is too late to treat, it’s likely to spread elsewhere in the body.
Treatment options for cancer of the lip vary. While some treatments will be able to cure the condition completely, there are other options. If it has spread to other areas, surgery will likely be necessary. A Mohs surgical procedure is the most effective way to remove the lip cancer. This procedure preserves the normal tissue and improves the chances of a full recovery. In some cases, stitches may be needed to close the wound. For lip cancer, a plastic surgeon will perform this procedure.
The risk of developing cancer of the lip is greatly increased when you are exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Luckily, the sun’s rays are weaker at midday, so try to avoid the sun during this time. If you must go outside, schedule outdoor activities during other times. To protect yourself from UV rays, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply it liberally every two hours to stay protected. Avoid tanning beds. Tanning bed exposure causes lip cancer.
Smokeless tobacco users are 50 times more likely to develop cancer of the lips and gums. Other risk factors include excessive alcohol intake and sunlight exposure. But even when you do not smoke, the risk of developing cancer of the lip is still significantly higher than that of the mouth. In some cases, chemotherapy may not be enough, and you’ll need more treatments to cure the disease. If the cancer has spread, radiation therapy may not be enough to save your lips.
If you suspect you have cancer of the lip, consult a physician. Treatment for the disease often involves surgery. While surgery may be the most effective method, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also possible options. Both types of treatment aim to destroy the tumor while protecting healthy tissue in the mouth. If your symptoms persist, you should schedule a consultation with a doctor. In some cases, radiation therapy is combined with surgery. The risks associated with surgery are high, so it is important to be fully aware of what you are experiencing.
Cancer of the lip typically starts in squamous cells. Those cells are responsible for the appearance of the lips and may spread to other parts of the body. Because of this, cancers of the lip may be more difficult to treat than other forms of this type of cancer. Several factors increase the risk of lip cancer, including tobacco use, excessive sun exposure, and alcohol consumption. Those with immunocompromised status are particularly at risk.
