Lip cancer is a type of oral cancer that develops on the lips. It can affect either the upper or lower lip, though it is more common on the lower lip. This cancer is strongly associated with tobacco use. Early detection and understanding this connection are important for effective management.
How Tobacco Leads to Lip Cancer
Tobacco products contain harmful chemicals called carcinogens. When products like cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff come into direct contact with the lips and mouth, these carcinogens are introduced to the cells. Over time, these chemicals can cause genetic changes within the DNA of cells in the lips and mouth. This DNA damage can disrupt normal cell growth and division, leading to cancerous tumor formation.
Cigarettes contain over 60 known cancer-causing agents, including formaldehyde, lead, arsenic, and radioactive substances. Smokers face about a 10 times greater risk for oral cancer than non-smokers. Pipe smokers are also at increased risk for lip cancers, particularly where the pipestem rests on the lip. Smokeless tobacco products contain more than 28 identified carcinogens, including large amounts of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). These products are placed directly between the cheek and gum, allowing harmful chemicals to be absorbed through the mucous membranes.
Identifying the Signs
Recognizing the early signs of lip cancer can improve treatment outcomes. A common initial symptom is a sore, blister, ulcer, or lump on the lip that does not heal within a few weeks. While these may initially resemble common cold sores, cancerous lesions persist and do not resolve on their own, unlike cold sores which clear up within about 10 days.
Other observable signs include flat or slightly raised colored spots on the lips, which may appear white or reddish on lighter skin tones, or dark brown or gray on darker skin. Individuals might also notice a thickening of the lip, or experience persistent pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the lips or surrounding mouth area. Bleeding from the lip without an obvious cause, or changes in how dentures fit, can also be indicators. Any new growth or unusual discoloration on the lips that lasts for more than a few weeks warrants medical attention.
Treatment Options
Treatment for lip cancer involves medical approaches depending on the tumor’s stage and size. Surgery is a primary treatment option, aiming to remove cancerous tissue. For smaller cancers, this may be a minor procedure with minimal impact on appearance. Larger tumors might require more extensive surgery, potentially involving reconstruction to restore lip function and appearance. Lymph nodes in the neck may also be removed during surgery to check for cancer spread.
Radiation therapy is another common treatment, using high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It can be used as a standalone treatment for small tumors, before surgery to shrink a tumor, or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. External beam radiation therapy is frequently used. Chemotherapy, which involves powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, is sometimes used in combination with radiation therapy, especially for advanced cases.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized technique used for lip cancer, particularly for squamous cell carcinomas. This procedure involves removing thin layers of tissue one at a time and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells are detected. This precise method ensures complete cancer removal while preserving healthy tissue, which is beneficial for cosmetically sensitive areas like the lips.
Prevention and Reducing Risk
Preventing lip cancer focuses on avoiding tobacco products. Quitting all forms of tobacco reduces the risk of developing lip cancer. Even for individuals already diagnosed with lip cancer, quitting tobacco can improve recovery and decrease the likelihood of developing new tobacco-related cancers. Support programs and resources are available to assist with tobacco cessation.
Beyond tobacco, protecting the lips from sun exposure is another preventive measure. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a known risk factor for lip cancer, especially for the lower lip. Regularly applying a broad-spectrum lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher can protect against harmful UV rays. Seeking shade, particularly during peak sun hours, and wearing wide-brimmed hats can minimize sun exposure to the lips.