Are You At Risk of Getting Lip Cancer?

Lip cancer is the most common form of oral cancer. The risk of developing this form of skin cancer is greater in certain groups of people.

If you are male, over the age of 40, use tobacco or alcohol or have a history of head or neck cancer you are in a risk group. Having said that, anyone is at risk of getting cancer.

Interestingly, this type of skin cancer usually occurs on the lower lip.

Most lip cancers start in squamous cells. Those are the thin, flat cells that line the lips. These cancer cells are known as squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinoma usually develops in areas of leukoplakia (white patches of cells that do not rub off).

Risk Factors for Cancer of the Lip
The risk factors for lip cancer is the same as for skin cancer. Sun exposure is one of the highest risk factors. We can, however, reduce that risk by avoiding the sun and using lip balm with sunscreen.

Other risk factors include:

  • Using tobacco products.
  • Heavy alcohol use.
  • Being male.
  • Being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).

Oral or Lip Cancer Symptoms
  • A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal.
  • A lump or thickening on the lips or gums or in the mouth.
  • A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth.
  • Bleeding, pain, or numbness in the lip or mouth.
Note:
  • Lip cancer may not have any symptoms and is sometimes found during a regular visit to the dentist.
  • These symptoms could be indication of other medical conditions.

Test and Procedures to Detect Lip Cancer or Oral Cancer

  • Physical exam of the lips and oral cavity.
  • Endoscopy
    • A procedure to look at organs and tissues inside the body to check for abnormal areas.
  • X-rays of the head, neck, and chest.
  • Biopsy
    • The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist.
  • Exfoliative cytology
    • A procedure to collect cells from the lip or oral cavity.
  • PET scan
    • (positron emission tomography scan): A procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body.
Prognosis
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery). These are:
  • The stage of the cancer.
  • Where the tumor is in the lip.
  • Whether the cancer has spread to blood vessels
Treatments
Treatment options depend on:
  • The stage of the cancer.
  • The size of the tumor and where it is in the lip or oral cavity.
  • Whether the patient's appearance and ability to talk and eat can stay the same.
Anyone who has lip cancer is at risk of having the cancer spread and getting a second cancer in the head or neck. The symptoms of lip or oral cancer can be easily overlooked until more invasive treatments have to be used. Don't put off going to the doctor to get them checked out.

Some of this information was obtained from the National Cancer Institute. Their website is: www.cancer.gov

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