What Is Lip Cancer?
Cancer occurring in the lower and upper parts of the lips is known as lip cancer. In some patients, lip cancer can affect various other sites in the oral cavity. The lower lip is most commonly affected than the upper lip. The self-induced cause of lip cancer is smoking. A minor surgical option can serve as a treatment plan for lip cancer. Prior treatment planning and reconstruction are necessary to improve the appearance of the lips esthetically.
What Is the Epidemiology of Lip Cancer?
Cancer occurring in the oral cavity is listed among the top ten sites for cancer involvement. Oral cancer is common in certain countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. In India, oral cancer is known to dominate more than 50 % of all known cancers. The number of cases of oral cancer is increasing every year. The condition appears in different variations in different countries. The prevalence of lip cancer tends to decrease in recent years, while the cancers in the oral cavity’s interior parts tend to increase. It is known to affect the male population at a greater level.
What Are the Causes of Lip Cancer?
There are three known causes of lip cancer. They are:
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Genetic Mutations: Any alterations in DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) structure and function due to the mutations can result in cancer.
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Smoking: Many people tend to place the ends of the cigarette on their lips and smoke. The harmful contents of tobacco have a direct influence on the lips and lungs. This is the most typical reason for lip cancer.
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Heredity: If one or both the parents of the affected patients have a history of lip cancer, they also tend to acquire lip cancer.
In addition to this, excessive exposure to the sun can also cause lip cancer in some patients.
What Does Lip Cancer Look Like?
In the initial stages, lip cancer appears like a flat sore, blister, lump, or lesion on the lip. After a specific duration, it becomes raised with whitish discoloration. This whitish lesion or sore does not heal even after a very long time. The lesions might also be seen around the mouth. During the initial stages, lip cancer usually resembles a cold sore (small fluid-filled blisters). An important factor that differentiates whether it is lip cancer or a cold sore is that a cold sore typically cures on its own within 10 days whereas the lip cancer lesions stay longer.
What Are the Lip Cancer Symptoms?
The cancer lesion in the lips may be accompanied by the following symptoms
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Pain, tingling sensation, and numbness in and around the sites of the lips.
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A reddish ulcer or blister with bleeding may be seen in some cases.
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The lesion might be accompanied by swelling of the jaw.
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The associated lymph nodes near the lip cancer will have involvement and inflammation.
What Are the Risk Factors of Lip Cancer?
The various risk factors associated with lip cancer are:
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Tongue Cancer: The prevalence of cancer in the tongue or any other site in the oral cavity can increase oral cancer risk.
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Population: People belonging to the American population are affected more than others.
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Aged People: The low stamina, immunity, and long-term smoking habits in older adults put them into a higher risk zone.
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Consumption of Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can affect an individual's overall health status and dysfunction of the organs. This will result in the body’s poor metabolism and lack of ability to fight against diseases.
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Infections: A pre-existing infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) or any other viral infection can increase cancer risk.
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Excessive Sun exposure: If an individual is highly prone to exposure to sunlight, including tanning beds, it is a risk factor.
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Light Color Skin: Irrespective of race or origin, people with light color skin, tend to have insufficient melanin secretion. These people suffer a greater degree of risk.
How Is Lip Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of lip cancer requires clinical examination by the doctor. The doctor will visualize the mouth, face, neck, and lips for the signs of cancer. The smoking history of the patient is also recorded, if any. The other tests for identifying lip cancer are:
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Biopsy: In a biopsy procedure, a part of the tissue is removed from the lips as a circle. After a complete microscopic examination, the type of cancer will be detected. The progressive nature of cancer will also be estimated.
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Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scan is a beneficial diagnostic tool that provides images of cancer from various angles.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan: MRI scan uses a strong radio wave and magnetic field to obtain detailed and precise images of the body.
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Positron Emission Tomography (PET): It is an imaging technique that interprets the function of tissues and organs. A radioactive drug is used in this procedure.
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Complete Blood Cell Count: A blood examination of the patient is done to detect any abnormality in the blood cell count.
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Chest X-ray: People who smoke have a higher chance of getting lung cancer in addition to lip cancer. To detect the involvement of the lung, a chest X-ray will be performed on smokers.
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Endoscopy: Endoscopy is done in lip cancer patients because those affected by this condition might also have the involvement of cancer in the food pipe and windpipe.
What Are the Treatment Options for Lip Cancer?
The various treatment options involved in lip cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. A minor surgical procedure is carried out to remove it in the case of a small lesion or tumor. If the cancer is extensive, then the normal tissue is also removed along with the cancerous tissue. In such cases, reconstruction of the lips might be necessary. A cosmetic surgeon will perform lip reconstruction surgery. The other recommended methods for lip cancer patients are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy.
What Is the Prognosis of Lip Cancer?
The lip cancer prognosis depends on the location, tumor, and severity. If the condition is diagnosed at an earlier stage, the patient has a more than 5 years of survival rate. This is estimated to be approximately 83.7 %. While evaluating the prognosis, one should consider other factors such as age, health, and tobacco usage.
Conclusion
Lip cancer is a significant health concern that requires timely intervention. Being aware of the potential signs, such as persistent sores or discoloration, is vital for early detection. Seeking medical attention and adhering to the recommended treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, can improve prognosis and enhance the chances of successful recovery. Regular check-ups and sun protection measures are essential for prevention and long-term well-being.
