This biopsy takes a small piece of skin from the affected area and examines it under a microscope for any signs of cancer. If the biopsy reveals cancer, further tests may be required, including an endoscopy, imaging tests, and more. If the cancer has spread beyond the lip, the treatment may include chemotherapy or radiation. In advanced cases, the patient may need a general anesthetic. In children, sedation is often used.
A cancer of the lip usually takes the form of squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the cells that line the lips. Squamous cell cancer of the lip is more aggressive and more difficult to treat than other types of squamous cell cancer. It is also more likely to spread to the head and is among the deadliest types of cancer. The most common risk factor is exposure to UV rays. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and excessive drinking are also associated with increased risk.
Early detection of lip cancer is crucial to a patient’s overall health and quality of life. Treatment for lip cancer may involve surgery or a combination of radiation and surgery. More advanced cases may require targeted therapies or chemotherapy. The best results are achieved with surgery if the cancer is caught early. But even then, treatment for lip cancer is difficult because it can be mistaken for other conditions. If your symptoms persist after the cancer has been detected, you should consult with a doctor.
The results of the study will contribute to future treatment guidelines by improving our understanding of lip SCC behavior. However, there are some limitations to the study design. Overall survival rates for lip SCC vary according to its stage and primary site. Although the survival rates are similar for both upper and lower lip cancer, SCC of the oral commissure was significantly lower than the other sites. There are a few definite risk factors for survival. In addition to age, the tumor’s stage determines the survival rate.
