Lip cancer is a type of oral cancer that can occur in the upper or lower lip but usually occurs in the lower lip. Factors that cause lip cancer include prolonged exposure to the sun and tobacco use. The risk of lip cancer can be reduced by protecting the face from the sun with a hat or sunscreen and quitting smoking. Treatment methods for lip cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
What are the Symptoms of Lip Cancer?
Lip cancer, one of the oral cancers, can be seen at any age. In the early period, flat or slightly raised wound formation can be observed in the lip area. This wound may appear red in light-skinned people and dark brown or gray in dark-skinned people. Lip cancer is divided into two as lower lip cancer or upper lip cancer according to the area where the wound occurs. After lip cancer occurs, some symptoms may appear in the body. Symptoms of lower lip cancer and upper lip cancer may be similar to each other. Some of the symptoms that occur as a result of lip cancer are as follows:
- A lump or thickening of the lips, gums or mouth,
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that won't heal,
- Bleeding in the lip or mouth,
- Sore throat or a feeling that something is stuck in the throat,
- A change in sound,
- Severe pain in the lip area,
- Unexplained swelling of the chin,
- Tingling or numbness in the lip area.
Sores caused by lip cancer can be confused with cold sores (herpes). Cold sores can heal on their own in about 7-10 days. However, sores caused by lip cancer may take longer to heal. For this reason, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for lip sores that do not heal for a long time.
What Causes Lip Cancer?
Although the cause of lip cancer is not known for certain, some risk factors can lead to cancer. Some of the factors that trigger the formation of lip cancer are as follows:
- Tobacco use,
- Excessive alcohol consumption,
- Excessive sun exposure,
- Weakened immune system,
- Human papillomavirus (HPV).
Factors such as these can cause the cells in the lip to mutate. This can cause problems with cell division. If the cells divide and multiply uncontrollably, cancer can develop. However, factors such as light skin color, advancing age and male gender are also risk factors for the disease.
Can Lip Cancer Formation Be Prevented?
Some methods can be used to prevent lip cancer . Some of these methods are as follows:
Quitting or Not Starting Tobacco Use: Tobacco products contain cancer-causing chemicals. As a result of tobacco consumption, cells in the lips can be exposed to dangerous chemicals that cause cancer. Quitting or not starting to use tobacco can help prevent lip cancer.
Avoiding the Midday Sun: Lip cancer can occur as a result of prolonged exposure of the body to the sun's rays. Using sunscreen or a hat before going out in the sun can help prevent lip cancer.
How is lip cancer diagnosed?
Lip cancer can be diagnosed with a detailed physical examination by a specialist. In addition, some tests requested by the specialist are also effective in making a diagnosis. Some of the methods used in the diagnosis phase are as follows:
Physical Examination: In the physical examination, the patient's mouth, lips, face and neck area are examined in detail and cancer can be diagnosed with a detailed examination.
Taking a Tissue Sample for Testing: A biopsy may be required to detect the presence of tumor tissue causing cancer in the lip area. A biopsy performed by taking a small tissue sample can contribute to the diagnosis.
Imaging Methods: Imaging methods are used to determine whether the cancer has spread to different regions. These tests may include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET).
How is lip cancer treated?
Treatment of lip cancer can be done by applying different treatment methods depending on the size and stage of the cancer. Among the treatment methods are the following:
Surgery: Tumorous tissue that causes cancer is surgically removed and treated.
Radiation Therapy: It is a treatment method in which X-rays or various types of radiation are used to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing.
Chemotherapy: A cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to stop cancer cells from dividing or kill them.
Drug Therapy: Using certain medicines prescribed by a doctor can cause the cells that cause lip cancer to die. The use of medicines, often in combination with chemotherapy, can help treat cancer.