Lip Cancer
Squamous Cancer of the Lip is often related to exposure to the sun, wind, and the elements. Here in Texas there is a high incidence of this in farmers, ranchers, telephone linemen, fishermen, golfers, and outdoorsmen in general. And some folks will get this cancer without any predisposing factor.
This tumor usually appears as a non-healing ulcer at the junction of the middle third and outer third of the lower lip. Sometimes a non-cancerous, but non-healing raw area will be persistent for many months before an actual cancer is formed. There are many ways to treat cancer of the skin. It may be frozen, it can be cauterized or burned, it can be treated with radiation, it can be treated with acid, creams, solutions, ointments. But we believe the surest, most direct, most efficient treatment for Squamous Cell Cancer of the lower lip is surgical removal.
This is usually performed as on outpatient under either local or general anesthesia, that is to say, awake or asleep. There are some changes in the local anatomy, but nothing very significant in most cases. Large or advanced cases, on the other hand, may require extensive surgery and plastic/reconstructive procedures to give the patient his or her best chance at cure of the disease and, at the same time, a good looking lip that works well.
In a very small percentage of cases, the cancer will have spread to the lymph glands of the neck. In those cases removal of those lymph glands is necessary. This is called a "neck dissection". Finally, even more rarely, radiation therapy may be considered as a part of the treatment plan.
Most early cancers of the lip are quite curable, but some are not. Only a candid and detailed discussion with your doctors can give you an idea as to what your prognosis may be.
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Last modified: 1/6/2009
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