Lip cancer, also known as oral cavity or oral squamous cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that affects the lips. It is a rare form of cancer, accounting for only 1-2% of all cancers of the head and neck. The main cause of lip cancer is exposure to the sun and tobacco use, but it can also be caused by alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV), and genetics. Early diagnosis and treatment of lip cancer is crucial for successful outcome and survival.

Symptoms of Lip Cancer The early signs of lip cancer are not always obvious, but they may include:

• A sore or lesion on the lip that does not heal
• A lump or thickening on the lip
• A white or red patch on the lip
• Pain or tenderness on the lip
• Change in the shape or color of the lip
  
  
  

Diagnosis of Lip Cancer Diagnosis of lip cancer begins with a physical examination by a doctor or dentist. The doctor will examine the mouth, neck, and face for any abnormalities. If there is a suspicious lesion or growth, a biopsy will be performed to determine if it is cancerous. The biopsy may involve removing a small sample of tissue or the entire growth.

Staging of Lip Cancer Once a diagnosis of lip cancer has been made, the next step is to determine the stage of the cancer. Staging refers to the extent to which the cancer has spread. Staging is important because it determines the best course of treatment. The following are the stages of lip cancer:

• Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): The cancer is only in the top layer of the skin and has not spread.
• Stage I: The cancer is small and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage II: The cancer is larger and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby tissues, such as the jaw or neck.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs or liver.
  
  

Treatment of Lip Cancer The best treatment for lip cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the location and size of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health. The main treatments for lip cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Surgery is the most common treatment for lip cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much normal tissue as possible. There are several types of surgery that can be used to treat lip cancer, including:

• Excisional biopsy: This involves removing the entire growth along with a margin of healthy tissue.
• Mohs micrographic surgery: This is a type of surgery that is often used for lip cancer. It involves removing the cancerous tissue in thin layers and examining each layer under a microscope until all the cancerous cells have been removed.
• Partial lip excision: This involves removing the cancerous tissue and some surrounding healthy tissue.
• Total lip excision: This involves removing the entire lip.
  
  

Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery to ensure that all the cancerous cells have been removed. Radiation therapy can also be used as a primary treatment for lip cancer if the cancer is not suitable for surgery.

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy to improve the chances of success.