Lip Cancer Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Twenty-thirty percent of oral cancers are lip cancers and ninety-five percent of lip cancers are seen in the lower lip. Lip cancer occurs with the growth of uncontrolled cells in the lip tissues and may also occur in the upper or lower lip. Lip cancer is a very common type of cancer that can cause death. It is more common in patients over 60 years of age, but it is more common in men than in women. Lip tumors can be diagnosed early because they usually give early symptoms. Here, we will explain lip cancers causes, symptoms, and treatment in the following text.
Lip Cancer
The most common type of cancer in the oral cavity is lip cancer. Twelve percent of all head and neck cancers are frequently seen in the lower lip. It may also occur in the mouth corner or upper lip. Although it is mostly seen in patients over 60 years of age, it is more common in men than in women. Lip cancer occurs in ninety percent of the lower lip. In addition to being more common in older male patients with light skin, it is most commonly seen in farmers and seafarers. The presence of a protective pigment against dark rays called melanin in people with dark skin reduces the risk of lip cancer.
Lip Cancer Causes
- Too much exposure to sunlight is one of the highest risk factors of lip cancer. The lip can change due to sunlight as it does not have a protective colored layer. For this reason, lip cancer is relatively rare in blacks. If you spend long hours outdoors, you should always use a sunscreen with a sunscreen.
- HPV infection
- Tobacco use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Oral sex
- Having HIV/AIDS
- Alcohol consumption
You should consult a dermatologist if you experience any changes that occur in the lip.
Lip Cancer Symptoms
- Wounds that have not healed for a long time
- Swelling of the lips
- Difficulty when chewing
- Red and white patches in the mouth
- Movement disorders of lips
- Pain and bleeding in the lips
If any of these conditions last more than two weeks, it is very important to see a doctor. You should consult a dermatologist if you experience any changes that occur in the lip.
Lip Cancer Diagnosis
Early diagnosis of lip cancer is essential as in all types of cancer. Early detection allows lip cancer to be treated as soon as it occurs. There is no routine screening test or plan for lip cancers. However, many cancers in these parts can be found early by doctors, dentists, or self-examination. Especially, if you are at a higher risk for these cancers, the diagnosis is made by taking a biopsy from the risk area.
Lip Cancer Treatment
The stage of cancer is essential for the treatment of lip cancers. Surgery is the first widely used treatment for these cancers. It is mostly applied for early stage cancers, small and non-invasive ones. Various reconstruction methods are available for lip cancers. The reconstruction method to be used is determined according to the place of cancer and how much tumor holds the lip. Depending on the place, size, and spread of the tumor, removal of the tumor in the lips with some healthy tissue and neck dissection in the required patients are performed in the treatment. While surgery is usually sufficient in the early stages, radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments may be required in later stages.
