Radiation therapy can be administered through a surgical procedure or by inserting radioactive material directly into the tumor. The aim of treatment with radiation is to kill tumor cells and minimize side effects. Radiation therapy can also be used to treat lip cancer that has spread to lymph nodes. After the cancer has been removed, cosmetic surgery may be required to restore the patient’s appearance.
There are different types of treatment for cancer of the lip. Surgery for SCCs is commonly performed by Mohs surgeons and has a high cure rate. It is especially useful for areas of the face because it preserves the normal tissue and preserves the patient’s appearance. Mohs surgery also enables surgeons to remove microscopic extensions of the cancer. In addition, SCCs are more likely to spread, so complete removal is critical to improving the patient’s prognosis.
Other treatments for cancer of the lip include chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy. These drugs target the weakness of cancer cells to kill them. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or both. In addition to chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy can be used in combination with traditional treatments. If you are diagnosed with lip cancer, your doctor will discuss your options with you and help you find a treatment plan that is right for you. Your medical team will monitor your condition closely and help you find the best treatment for your condition.
Treatment for cancer of the lip should be determined by the extent to which it has spread. The deepest point of the tumor’s invasion is five millimeters. If the tumor has spread to lymph nodes, the cancer has spread to muscles that are used for chewing, the sphenoid bone behind the upper jaw, or the carotid artery in the base of the skull. Treatment for cancer of the lip is generally focused on removing the tumor, but it may recur.
A biopsy will be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of cancer of the lip. A piece of the suspicious tissue will be taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The biopsy will identify any abnormal cells or other abnormal tissues that are present. Imaging studies may also be ordered by a medical provider to determine whether the cancer has spread throughout the body. Once the diagnosis is made, your medical provider can discuss available treatment options with you and help you choose the best treatment option for your case.
If diagnosed early, lip cancer has a good prognosis. Treatment options include radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of these treatments. More advanced disease may require chemotherapy or targeted therapies. Your doctor may recommend this treatment for you if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes. If you do not respond to surgery, the best treatment for lip cancer is still chemotherapy. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
