Understanding Lip Cancer

Lip cancer is the most common form of oral cancer, with thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. Although older males, particularly those living in sunny climates, are at the greatest risk, lip cancer can affect nearly anyone. If you have sores or lesions on your mouth that do not heal, it is important that you see your doctor as soon as possible; lip cancer can be cured if it is treated in the early stages. Understanding what oral cancer looks like and knowing what causes it can help to reduce your chances of developing the disease.

Lip Cancer, or Cold Sore?

Most of us have had a cold sore or ulcer at some point; although these are painful and unsightly, they generally heal on their own within a week or two. If you have a sore or a lump on your lips or in your mouth that does not go away, this could be an indication of oral cancer.

Lip Cancer Symptoms

Lip cancer and other types of oral cancer often resemble otherconditions. If you have any of the symptoms listed here, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away for testing:

• A weakening of the line between the red of your lips and the surrounding skin.

• Sores that bleed easily and/or do not heal within two weeks.

• Thickening or swelling in the mouth or jaw.

• Scaling or the formation of a “crust” on the lips.

• Pain, numbness or tingling in the lips.

• Persistent sore throat or a feeling that something is stuck in the throat.

• Changes in voice.

• White or red patches in the mouth.

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

• Changes in the fit of dentures.

Lip Cancer Cause

Cancer occurs when the cells of the body mutate, then begin to reproduce, forming malignant (cancerous) tumors. While medical experts are not yet sure exactly why this happens, a number of factors have been identified that increase an individual’s risk of developing lip cancer:

• Heavy alcohol use.

• Use of tobacco products of all kinds, including smokeless tobacco.

• Excessive exposure to the sun.

• Family history of oral cancer.

• Personal history of cancer.

• Radiation to the head or neck.

• Poor nutrition.

• Exposure to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) – the same virus that is associated with cervical cancer.

Lip Cancer Treatment

If you suspect that you may have lip cancer, your doctor will first perform a physical exam of your mouth to inspect for visible lesions. He or she may also remove a small amount of tissue for laboratory testing. If cancer is confirmed, your doctor will run further tests to determine the stage of the disease and whether it has spread to any other areas of your body.

Treating lip cancer depends on several factors, including the stage and location of the cancer, in addition to your overall health. You may receive only one form of treatment or a combination of treatments. In the early stages, radiation therapy may be all that is necessary to eliminate the cancerous cells; the majority of patients receive a combination of radiation treatments and chemotherapy. Your doctor may also recommend surgery to remove the cancer.

Lip Cancer Surgery

If you opt for surgery, your surgeon will cut away the cancerous tumor, along with a small amount of the surrounding healthy tissue. In the early stages, only minor surgery may be required; more extensive excision of tissue, including parts of the tongue or jaw, may be necessary for advanced cancer. In this case, you may also need reconstructive surgery to restore your appearance and your ability to speak, chew and swallow.

While there is no absolute way to prevent lip or mouth cancer, you can reduce your chances of developing the disease by avoiding tobacco products, limiting your alcohol intake, and avoiding excessive exposure to the sun. Make sure you eat a healthy diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, fiber and lean protein, and see your dentist regularly.

With advanced medical treatments and surgical techniques, survival rates for lip cancer are high; the sooner you seek medical attention for the symptoms of cancer, the greater your chances for making a full recovery.