Cancer of the lip is the most common type of head and neck cancer. It begins when cells in the lip grow out of control and form a tumor or lesion. Lip cancer can occur in either the upper or lower lip, but is most common on the lower one. People with fair skin over the age of 50 are more likely to develop the disease than dark-skinned people. Smoking and prolonged sun exposure increase the risk of developing lip cancer. People with immune system disorders are also at higher risk of developing this disease.
When you suspect you have cancer of the lip, you should see a doctor for a physical exam. Your family physician may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. A dermatologist or otorhinolaryngologist may be your best bet if the symptoms persist. The doctor will likely recommend imaging tests to determine the extent of the disease. Imaging tests may include computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography.
Treatment options for lip cancer include surgery and radiation therapy. In early stage cancer, doctors remove the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue. They then close the incision with sutures. In advanced stage lip cancer, patients may be treated with immunotherapy to boost the body’s immune system. These treatments usually take more than one session to be effective. However, patients should remember that the treatments are not a cure. You may need to undergo a variety of treatments before you find the best treatment for your particular condition.
If the tumour is squamous cell, the doctor will likely remove it. This surgery will also allow a thorough examination of the tissue, its histologic characteristics, and the lymph nodes in the area. Smaller lesions are removed through the mouth, while large ones may require splitting the upper or lower lip or pulling the cheek back. If you have a large tumor, the surgeon may need to remove the cheek as well.
In North America, the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid sun exposure during these times, and schedule outdoor activities during other times of the day. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it frequently. Do not use tanning beds, which emit harmful UV rays and increase the risk of lip cancer.
Treatment for lip cancer will vary from person to person. The treatment may include surgery and chemotherapy. In some cases, surgery may be enough to remove the tumor and improve your quality of life. Surgery is an option, but you should discuss it with your doctor if your symptoms continue after treatment has started. However, it is important to keep in mind that the treatment of cancer of the lip does not come without risks and side effects. The goal of treatment should be to relieve any symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Radiation therapy for cancer of the lip is an effective treatment for most patients. Its goal is to destroy the tumor and preserve the lip’s function and sensitivity. Depending on the stage of the disease, radiotherapy can also be a useful option. While surgery for cancer of the lip is not the right treatment for everyone, it is often a good choice for those who have recurrent lesions or are not satisfied with their results.
