As with other oral cancers, the risk of developing lip cancer depends on several factors. In addition to genetics, lip cancer is highly variable and should be studied independently of other malignancies. The various features of lip cancer, including its molecular profile, proliferative indices, and microscopic appearance, have led researchers to distinguish it from oral cancers of other regions. These differences may include environmental exposure to ultraviolet rays, the anatomical attributes of the lips, and the expression of adhesion molecules.
Treatment for lip cancer can include radiation therapy, surgery, or both. The latter option uses powerful X-ray beams to destroy the cancer. While surgery is the primary form of treatment for lip cancer, chemotherapy may also be used to relieve symptoms. If the cancer has spread to other areas of the mouth, chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery. If the disease is detected early, treatment for lip cancer may be less invasive than you think.
Almost half of all cases of lip cancer are squamous cell carcinomas, which develop on the skin of the lip. These are essentially flat, thin cells that form the outer and middle layers of the skin. Squamous cell cancers have an aggressive growth rate, so it’s crucial to catch it early. The average incidence of lip cancer is 0.2 per 10,000 people in the United Kingdom. Although more common in men than women, people with significant sun exposure are at an increased risk of developing this type of cancer. Other factors that may contribute to risk include family history and genetics.
Surgery for lip cancer is common and offers a high cure rate. This treatment option is especially beneficial for people with advanced cancer, as it preserves normal tissue and enhances appearance. The surgeon can also remove microscopic extensions of the cancer. SCCs are more likely to spread, so complete removal of the disease is important. The risks of spreading cancer in this location may outweigh the benefits of treatment. This treatment is also known as Mohs surgery.
A combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is another treatment option. This option can be combined with targeted drugs to attack cancer cells. This approach can interfere with the environment in which cancer cells grow and lead to their destruction. In some cases, immunotherapy may be an alternative to surgery, as it works with the body’s own immune system to enhance the immune system’s ability to fight the disease. But, it should be noted that the PDQ treatment for lip cancer is not meant to replace other treatments.
Surgery for lip cancer aims to remove the tumor and restore the normal function of the lip. Surgical methods for lip reconstruction depend on the location of the lesion and the extent of the incision, which must be carefully planned to minimize the risk of scarring. Reconstruction of the lip is dependent on the type of lesion and whether it has metastasized to the lymph nodes. Patients with deep lip tumors, particularly involving the commissure, may benefit from SOHND.
