Lip cancer is a form of head and neck cancer that affects the lips. It arises when cells on the lip lining or skin grow abnormally. While relatively uncommon compared to other cancers, it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer of the mouth. Globally, lip and oral cavity cancers accounted for over 377,000 new cases in 2020.
Understanding Lip Cancer
Lip cancer involves various malignant growths on the lips. The most prevalent form is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), accounting for over 90% of diagnoses. This cancer develops from squamous cells, the thin, flat cells lining the lip surface and other mouth areas. SCC most frequently appears on the lower lip due to increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the second most frequent type. BCCs typically arise on sun-exposed skin, often on the upper lip, though they can affect the lower lip. These cancers usually grow slowly and rarely spread, but can be locally destructive.
Melanoma, a more aggressive skin cancer, can also affect the lips but is rare. It originates in melanocytes, the cells producing pigment. Melanoma on the lip can develop on external skin or within the oral cavity’s mucous membranes. Other rare cancers, like those of minor salivary glands, can also occur on the lips.
Identifying the Signs
Recognizing early signs of lip cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. A common indicator is a persistent sore, ulcer, blister, or lump on the lip that fails to heal within two weeks. Unlike typical cold sores or chapped lips, cancerous lesions tend to linger and may grow larger.
Changes in the lip’s appearance also warrant attention. These include discolored patches, which might appear white or reddish on lighter skin, or dark brown or gray on darker skin. The lip might also develop crusty areas, bleed without clear injury, or show signs of thickening. Some individuals may experience persistent pain, tingling, or numbness in the lip.
Other symptoms can emerge beyond the lip, such as unexplained swelling on the lips, tongue, or within the mouth, or a noticeable lump in the neck indicating potential lymph node involvement. Regular self-examination and seeking professional evaluation for any suspicious or non-healing lip changes are crucial.
Key Risk Factors
Several factors increase an individual’s likelihood of developing lip cancer. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a primary contributor, especially for the lower lip. Its thinner skin and lack of protective melanin make it vulnerable to DNA damage, explaining why lip cancer is often seen in individuals with fair skin.
Tobacco use in any form, including smoking and smokeless varieties, introduces carcinogenic chemicals that directly damage lip cells, raising the risk. Excessive alcohol consumption also contributes by irritating lip tissues and making them more susceptible to carcinogens, with the risk escalating sharply when combined with tobacco.
A weakened immune system, whether due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive medications, diminishes the body’s ability to counter abnormal cell growth, increasing vulnerability. Certain high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) have also been linked to an elevated risk of oral cancers, including those affecting the lips.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Diagnosing lip cancer begins with a physical examination by a doctor or dentist. They inspect the lips, mouth, face, and neck for suspicious areas and check for swollen lymph nodes. If an abnormality is found, a biopsy is performed. A small tissue sample is removed for microscopic analysis to confirm cancer presence, type, and aggressiveness. Imaging tests like CT, MRI, or PET scans may then determine if the cancer has spread.
Treatment approaches vary based on the tumor’s size, location, and stage. Surgery is a common method, involving removal of cancerous tissue with a margin of healthy cells, sometimes followed by reconstructive procedures to maintain function and appearance. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and can be used independently or after surgery. For advanced cases, chemotherapy, targeted therapy (drugs that block cancer-specific pathways), or immunotherapy (boosting the body’s immune response) may be employed, often in combination.
Proactive Prevention
Preventing lip cancer involves adopting several protective habits. Consistently applying a broad-spectrum lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher is important. Wearing wide-brimmed hats to shield the lips from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, especially during peak sun hours, also helps. Avoiding tanning beds further reduces UV exposure.
Eliminating all forms of tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless products, significantly reduces the risk of developing lip cancer. Moderating alcohol consumption is also advised, as excessive intake, particularly when combined with tobacco, drastically increases vulnerability.
Regularly performing self-examinations of the lips and mouth, looking for any new or persistent sores, lumps, or changes in color or texture, can facilitate early detection. Any suspicious changes that do not heal within two weeks should prompt an immediate visit to a healthcare professional or dentist for evaluation.