Despite the high prevalence of this condition, it is a treatable one. As with many head and neck cancers, early detection and treatment improve the chances of survival. In addition, lip cancer has excellent cure rates when diagnosed early. Increasing awareness about the symptoms and treatment options of this condition will help increase the chances of survival. Additionally, a dedicated team of head and neck oncologists, cosmetic surgeons, and other medical professionals can improve the quality of life and appearance of patients.
The preferred diagnostic method for lip cancer is an incisional biopsy, which enables a pathologist to evaluate the extent of invasion and whether there are lymph nodes attached to the tumor. The tumour must be at least 6 centimeters in size, and it must not have spread to the adjacent mandible or neck. For lip cancers that have metastasized to the neck, an ancillary imaging study may be necessary.
Despite its low incidence, cancer of lip is one of the most common types of head and neck cancers. It develops when the cells that line the lips grow out of control and begin to form tumors or lesions. Melanoma, the deadliest type of cancer, is the most common cause of lip cancer. While sun exposure and tobacco use are the most common factors, many other factors also contribute to the development of lip cancer.
The most common early stage of lip cancer is when the tumor is small and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes. If it has spread to lymph nodes, this cancer is considered advanced. It may also spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of this disease may include tenderness or pain in the area of the lip or an appearance of a white ring around the lip. If it’s detected early, lip cancer is almost always curable.
Depending on the stage of the tumor, a variety of treatment options are available. Early stage surgery removes the cancerous tissue and a small portion of healthy tissue. Sutures are used to close the incision. However, if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, this type of surgery may be ineffective. In this case, chemotherapy is another treatment option. Cancer of the lip may also be treated with chemotherapy. These methods may include intravenous chemotherapy or intravenous radiation therapy.
Although the incidence of lip cancer is low, it is one of the most curable head and neck cancers. Its prominent location makes it easy to spot lesions. If left untreated, however, it may progress into the alveolar mucosa, floor of the mouth, tongue, and mentum. If left untreated, the prognosis can be much worse than the average. So, it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have cancer of the lip.
Treatment for cancer of the lip is similar to for oral cancer. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapies. Prevention measures include avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding binge drinking. Another important factor is avoiding exposure to direct sunlight. Exposure to the sun regularly increases the risk of lip cancer. It is therefore important to protect the mouth with sunscreen whenever possible. If you have been diagnosed with cancer of the lip, your doctor can give you the appropriate treatment.
