About Lip Cancer

Lip cancer and oral cavity cancer are the same type and can originate in either location. According to statistics from the National Institute of Health, lip cancer has a high survival rate if caught early enough. If symptoms are ignored, however, it can spread to other parts of the body, most notably the tongue, gums and lining of the mouth.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas

• In most cases, lip cancer will originate in cells known as the squamous cells. They are the cells that line both the lips and the rest of the oral cavity.

Risk Factors

• There are specific risk factors that can lead to development of lip cancer--alcohol and tobacco use, damage from the sun and human papillomavirus (HPV). Lip cancer is also more prevalent in men than in women.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of lip cancer are similar to those from other causes--a sore that does not heal, lump or thickening, bleeding and pain or a numb feeling or swelling of the jaw.

Diagnosis

• Doctors use a variety of methods to diagnose lip cancer. It will be begin with a physical exam where the doctor will feel the lips and use a small mirror and light to look for signs. A biopsy where cells are removed surgically and examined or an Exfoliative cytology where cells are collected non surgically and examined will also be used.

Treatments

• Lip cancer is treated by surgery, radiation or a combination of both.