Lip cancer, a form of skin cancer, develops on the lips when cells grow abnormally, forming lesions or tumors. While it can occur on either the upper or lower lip, it is more commonly found on the lower lip. Early detection is important for a favorable outcome.
Common Early Visual Signs
Early lip cancer often appears as a persistent sore, blister, or lump that does not heal. These lesions may initially resemble common mouth sores, but unlike benign conditions, they tend to linger.
The appearance can vary, but common characteristics include a flat or slightly raised discolored spot, which might be white or reddish on lighter skin tones, or dark brown to gray on darker skin. Such areas might also present with a rough texture, crusting, or bleeding.
A thickening of the lip tissue in a specific area can also be an early indicator. These initial signs may not be painful, but their persistence beyond a few weeks warrants attention.
Progression and Advanced Appearance
If left unaddressed, lip cancer can progress, and its visual characteristics may become more pronounced. The initial lesion might increase in size, becoming more noticeable.
Ulceration can deepen, sometimes forming a sore with a hard edge that bleeds easily. As the cancer advances, there may be persistent crusting on the affected area, indicating ongoing tissue damage.
Individuals might also experience pain, numbness, or tingling in the lip or surrounding oral structures. In later stages, the tumor can spread to adjacent areas of the mouth or skin, potentially causing visible swelling of the lip or jaw.
Distinguishing Features and Common Mimics
Differentiating lip cancer from benign lip conditions is important due to similar initial appearances.
Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, manifest as fluid-filled blisters that crust over and heal within about 10 days. Unlike lip cancer, cold sores resolve on their own and do not persist.
Canker sores, which are painful ulcers inside the mouth, have a white or yellow center with a red border and heal within one to two weeks.
Chapped lips are characterized by dryness, flaking, and sometimes cracking, affecting the entire lip surface or large areas, and respond to moisturizing treatments.
Lip cancer, however, often presents as a localized lesion that does not improve with typical remedies and may worsen over time. Benign moles on the lip are generally stable in size and color, whereas a cancerous lesion might show changes in its appearance, texture, or an unexplained wound.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Any persistent, suspicious, or changing lesion on the lip warrants professional medical evaluation. If a sore, lump, or discolored patch on the lip does not heal within two weeks, consult a doctor or dermatologist.
Self-diagnosis is not sufficient; a healthcare professional’s assessment is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
A doctor will perform a thorough examination of the lips and oral cavity. They may recommend a biopsy, which involves taking a small tissue sample from the suspicious area for microscopic analysis.
This procedure helps determine if cancer cells are present and confirm the diagnosis. Timely intervention following a professional evaluation significantly improves the prognosis for lip cancer.