A biopsy is a procedure that is usually performed after the physician has thoroughly inspected a sore and asked questions about its appearance. In case of a suspicion of lip cancer, the biopsy may be performed through the soft tissue biopsy. The biopsy is performed under local anesthesia and the patient will experience little or no discomfort. In some cases, the biopsy may require sedation or general anesthesia, especially for children. If the biopsy results in the diagnosis of cancer of the lip, the patient will be given anesthesia to ensure the process is painless.
Radiation therapy can be a very effective treatment for lip cancer. Radiation therapy works by aiming high-energy rays at the tumor. The radiation kills the cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissues. During this procedure, radiation is administered in a precise millimeter-thick dose. Radiation therapy can also be used for lip cancer that has spread to lymph nodes. Chemotherapy is another treatment option to kill cancer cells. These drugs can be administered orally or intravenously.
Early detection is the key to a patient’s best outcome. A thorough oral examination is recommended for any patient who experiences persistent nonhealing wounds or blisters on their lips. Early-stage lesions often have crusting and insulation around them and may also be associated with erythroplakia or leukoplakia. Advanced-stage lesions may also have spread to adjacent tissues, such as the muscles used for chewing. Moreover, the cancer may have spread to the sphenoid bone, which is behind the upper jaw, or to the carotid artery at the base of the skull. Therefore, the treatment for lip cancer should be individualized, depending on the stage of the disease and the lymph node size.
A biopsy of the lip can be helpful for identifying any potential tumors. Lip cancer is one of the most curable types of head and neck cancer, and its prominence makes it easier to detect early. Unfortunately, if a tumor is not treated quickly, it may spread to the rectum, alveolar mucosa, the floor of the mouth, and tongue. In this case, the patient may have to undergo chemotherapy.
If the biopsy confirms the presence of cancer in the lip, additional tests will be required. A biopsy of the lip tissue will also determine the stage of the cancer. Additional tests may include endoscopyendoscopy, imaging tests, and more tissue samples. If a biopsy reveals that cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it will be treated accordingly. When treatment is complete, the patient is likely to experience some improvement in the quality of life.
The incidence of lip cancer is very low, ranging between 1.8 per million people in the US and 13.5 per million in Australia. It is virtually nonexistent in parts of Asia. Approximately 30% of all cases of lip cancer occur in patients with outdoor occupations. Similarly, tobacco and alcohol use is a major risk factor. In addition, HPV has been linked to lip malignancy. Similarly, lip cancer is more common in males, people with fair skin, and in the sixth decade of life.
