lip cancer

What is Lip Cancer?

Lip cancer, also known as oral cancer or squamous cell carcinoma, is a type of head and neck cancer that begins when the cells that make up the lip grow out of control and form lesions or tumors [3]. It is a mixed form of skin and oral cavity cancer, exhibiting slower growth than carcinomas in other parts of the mouth but spreading faster than expected [5].

Signs and Symptoms

The early signs and symptoms of lip cancer can be subtle and may include:

• A flat or slightly raised whitish discoloration of the lip [1]
• A sore on your lip that won't heal [1]
• Sores or lumps on the lips or in the mouth [4]
• Pain, tingling, and numbness in the lips or around the mouth
• Lip bleeding
• Jaw swelling and tightness

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of lip cancer is unknown, certain risk factors have been identified, including:

• Smoking and tobacco use
• Exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Family history of oral cancer
• Poor oral health and hygiene

Treatment and Prognosis

If left untreated, lip cancer can progress and lead to serious complications. Treatment options for lip cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy [9]. The prognosis for lip cancer patients depends on the stage and severity of the disease, as well as the overall health of the individual.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lip Cancer

Lip cancer can manifest in various ways, making it essential to be aware of the possible symptoms. Here are some common signs and symptoms of lip cancer:

• A sore on your lip that won't heal: This is one of the most common symptoms of lip cancer (1, 2, 5, 6). If you notice a sore or ulcer on your lip that doesn't seem to be healing, it's crucial to consult a doctor.
• A lump or thickness on your lips: A palpable lump or noticeable thickening on the lips can be an indication of lip cancer (3, 4, 5, 6).
• Bleeding, pain, or numbness on your lip: Lip bleeding, pain, or numbness can also be symptoms of lip cancer (1, 2, 4, 7, 8).
• A red or white patch on the lips: A discolored patch on the lip that's red or white can be a sign of lip cancer (3, 5, 8).

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: 1. [1] - Signs and symptoms of lip cancer include: A flat or slightly raised whitish discoloration of the lip. 2. [2] - The most common lip cancer symptom we see is an ulcer or sore that won't heal. 3. [3] Lip cancer symptoms and signs · Lesion, blister, lump or sore that doesn't heal 4. [4] Pain, tingling and numbness in the lips or around the mouth; Lip bleeding; Jaw swelling and tightness. 5. [5] Lip Cancer Symptoms · A lump or sore that doesn't heal · A crusty area of skin · A pale or white patch · Pain, tingling or numbness · Bleeding 6. [6] Lip Cancer Symptoms · a sore on your lip that does not heal. · a lump on or thickness of your lips. · bleeding, pain, or numbness on your lip. 7. [7] Apr 30, 2024 — Lip cancer may appear as a sore on your lip that doesn't heal. ... Mouth cancer — white patches. 8. [8] Signs and symptoms of lip cancer · a lump on the lips or a noticeable thickening · painful or numb lips · bleeding from the lips · a red or white patch on the lips

Diagnostic Tests for Lip Cancer

Lip cancer, also known as oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer, can be diagnosed through various tests and procedures. Here are some of the common diagnostic tests used to detect lip cancer:

• Complete head and neck exam: A thorough physical examination by a head and neck specialist is usually the first step in diagnosing mouth cancer [1].
• Panendoscopy: This test involves using an endoscope to visually examine the inside of the mouth, throat, and other areas of the head and neck [3].
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure where a sample of tissue is taken from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope for cancer cells [3][4].
• Exfoliative cytology: This test involves collecting cells from the surface of the mouth or lip using a cotton swab, which are then examined for abnormal cell growth [3][5].
• Incisional biopsy: In some cases, an incisional biopsy may be performed to remove a larger sample of tissue from the affected area [3].

These diagnostic tests can help identify lip cancer at an early stage, when it is more treatable. It's essential to note that surgery and radiation therapy are the primary treatment methods for lip cancer [5].

Treatment Options for Lip Cancer

Lip cancer can be treated using various methods, including surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

• Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for lip cancer, where the affected area and a margin of healthy tissue are removed. This approach aims to completely eliminate the cancerous cells.
  • [1] cites that surgery is used to remove the lip cancer and a margin of healthy tissue that surrounds it.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be combined with radiation therapy if the cancer has spread or is at an advanced stage.
  • [2] mentions that chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, which can be given alone or in combination with other treatments.
  • [5] further explains that chemotherapy is a treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells, and the drugs used can vary depending on the type of cancer.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy involves using medications that specifically target cancer cells. Cetuximab (Erbitux) is an example of such a medication, which targets specific proteins on cancer cells.
  • [3] explains that cetuximab is a targeted cancer drug used for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer.
  • [8] mentions that some people with oral cancer receive targeted therapy, often in combination with radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Common Chemotherapy Drugs

Some common chemotherapy drugs used to treat lip cancer include:

• Cisplatin
• Carboplatin
• 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
• Paclitaxel (Taxol)
• Docetaxel

These medications can be given alone or in combination with other treatments, depending on the individual case.

References

[1] Nov 28, 2023 — Treatment. Lip cancer treatments include: Surgery. [2] If your lip cancer has spread and no other ... [3] Cetuximab is a targeted cancer drug used for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. [5] Chemotherapy drugs can be given alone, in combination with other ... [8] Some people with oral cancer receive a type of drug known as targeted therapy.

Differential Diagnosis of Lip Cancer

Lip cancer can be challenging to diagnose, as its symptoms and signs may resemble those of other conditions. Here are some key points to consider:

• Actinic Keratosis: A lump on the vermillion border of the lip can be a sign of actinic keratosis, which is a precancerous condition caused by prolonged sun exposure [1].
• Erythroplasia: Brightly colored lesions or ulcers on the lip may indicate erythroplasia, another type of precancerous condition [1].
• Lip carcinoma: Lip cancer can manifest as tumors (solid tissue masses) or lesions (abnormal areas of skin) on the lips. Most lip cancers are well-differentiated and metastasize at a late stage [2].
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of lip cancer, accounting for about 90% of cases. It can be divided into well, moderate, and poorly differentiated carcinomas, with tumor grade being of limited prognostic value due to heterogeneity within each category [3].
• Keratoacanthoma: A rare type of skin cancer that can appear as a small, dome-shaped lesion on the lip.
• Deep fungal infection: Fungal infections such as candidiasis or histoplasmosis can cause lesions or ulcers on the lip.
• Aphthous ulcer: Recurring mouth sores or ulcers can be caused by various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, or immune system disorders.

Key Symptoms and Signs

• Asymmetric with irregular outlines
• Macular pigmentation
• Nodular growth
• Ulceration
• Melanosis

Diagnosis

A biopsy is the most accurate way to diagnose lip cancer. Other diagnostic tools include imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, CT scans) and laboratory tests (e.g., blood work).

References:

[1] Context result 1: May 5, 2021 [2] Context result 3: by R Alhabbab · 2022 · Cited by 8 [3] Context result 4: by C Kerawala · 2016 · Cited by 230