Can cancer of the lips be detected during routine dental exams? This is a relatively common condition, and it is best to see your dentist regularly if you are at high risk. Treatment for lip cancer varies depending on the extent of the disease, but generally consists of surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments. More advanced cases may require chemotherapy or targeted therapies. A comprehensive diagnosis will be essential to determine the best course of treatment.
Lip cancer is rarely life-threatening and requires surgery only when the tumor has spread or interfered with a vital organ. Emergency treatment is rarely required, unless the cancer has spread or if it has invaded a vital organ. However, chemotherapy can increase the risk of infection and can lead to a low white blood cell count. Patients should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the following serious symptoms: high fever, excessive bleeding, or a rapid heartbeat.
Most types of lip cancer are squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that form the outer and middle layers of skin. These cancers usually spread quickly, and are harder to treat than other squamous cell types. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are common risk factors, and smoking and chewing tobacco may also contribute to the development of lip cancer. The presence of a mouth sore can be a sign of this disease.
If a suspected lip tumor is asymptomatic, biopsy is the next step. A healthcare provider will look at the sore and ask several questions to rule out the possibility of cancer of the lip. The biopsy may be performed under local anesthesia, and pain will usually subside after one to two days. Biopsies can also be performed during an ear, nose, and throat visit, and often require a general anesthesia or sedation. Children may require general anesthesia.
The primary site and the T stage of the disease were the primary factors in determining overall survival. An incisional biopsy is preferred in lip cancers that have a primary location in the mandible. If the cancer has spread to the neck, an ancillary imaging study may be recommended. If the tumour has spread to lymph nodes, a metastatic workup may be necessary. Lip cancers may spread to lymph nodes, but it is rare in those cases.
A direct view of pre-cancerous lesions is crucial for early diagnosis. Lip cancer is particularly common among elderly people and fair-skinned people. Men are more likely to develop the disease than women, as they often wear lipstick. Tobacco chewing and chronic alcohol use have been associated with lip cancer, and several viruses have been implicated as potential cause of the disease. In the UK, it is estimated that approximately one percent of men are affected by lip cancer.
A high-quality surgical procedure is essential when cancer of the lip is suspected. Mohs surgery offers a high-cure rate, and is especially advantageous for areas of the face. During this procedure, the surgeon can also remove microscopic extensions of the tumor, which are essential for normal function and appearance. Because SCCs have a greater risk of spreading, it is important to remove as much of the cancer as possible.
