The most common treatment for cancer of the lip is surgery. Surgery can be minimal for a small tumor but can be more significant for larger ones. Careful planning can help preserve the appearance and function after lip cancer surgery. Early detection is vital. Preventative measures include sun protection, limiting alcohol and tobacco use, and routine dental checkups. Surgical techniques for lip cancer depend on the stage and location of the tumor. Mohs microsurgery, which removes the cancer cells without harming surrounding tissue, is often used to treat lip tumors. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary for larger tumors, as well as removal of lymph nodes.
Radiation therapy for cancer of the lip can destroy tumor cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment team at Memorial Sloan Kettering uses computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to perform tumor staging and treatment planning. Patients may undergo radiation therapy in conjunction with a surgical procedure. For patients with cancer of the lip that has spread to the lymph nodes, intensity-modulated radiation therapy may be used. Additionally, chemotherapy can be administered orally or intravenously.
The incidence of cancer of the lip is lower than in other oral malignancies. In the United States, it occurs in just 1.8 per thousand people. In parts of Asia, the rate is almost nonexistent. Lip cancer is more common in people who are outdoors, have a fair complexion, are older, or have jobs that require prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Researchers have also associated with certain genetic factors with lip cancer. In addition, males with fair complexions and those who have had a tobacco-based oral infection are at a higher risk for developing this type of cancer.
Surgical treatment for cancer of the lip requires early diagnosis and aggressive chemotherapy if it has spread to the lymph nodes. Patients who present with non-healing lip lesions should undergo a thorough oral examination to detect the condition early. Early-stage lesions often appear as crusting and surrounding insulation with leukoplakia or erythroplakia. A biopsy of the lip may also show evidence of cancer. The patient should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and use UV-A/B-blocking sun protective lotion.
Surgical treatment is the most effective option for lip cancer, although treatment is also highly individualized. The doctor will discuss the medical history and symptoms of the condition with the patient. He or she will also examine the lips, mouth, throat, and lymph nodes, which are all common sites of cancer. Treatment options for this condition are surgical procedures, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and gene therapies. In many cases, chemotherapy alone is not enough.
The most common type of lip cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cells are flat, thin cells that are present in the outer and middle layers of the skin. They tend to spread quickly and require prompt treatment. Early diagnosis is essential for this type of cancer because it is rare. It has an incidence of 0.2 per 10,000 in the United Kingdom. It’s often preceded by smoking, but it can be just as devastating.
