Spreading of lip cancer?

Lips are one of the worst areas to get skin cancer. Lip cancer is a type of oral cancer (head and neck cancer). It develops when abnormal cells proliferate uncontrollably, resultant in lesions or tumors on the lips. Normally, tumors or lesions on the lips develop from squamous cells that are thin, flat cells that cover the lips and other parts of the mouth. These squamous cells, when grow out of control, form tumors or lesions on the lips. In a few cases, a more dangerous form of lip cancer, known as melanoma can develop in the lip’s melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) or on the inside of the mouth. Lip cancer is mostly due to sun exposure, meaning it's preventable! Also, prompt diagnosis and treatment is important. The diagnosis of lip cancer usually starts with an examination to assess physical changes around the mouth. If cancer is suspected, your doctor will recommend a soft tissue biopsy to confirm or rule out a lip cancer diagnosis. Let’s learn about the lip cancer in detail.

 

Risk Factors for Lip Cancer

 

Risk factors include:

 

Use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco.

Excessive alcohol intake.

Overexposure to direct sunlight

Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)

Gender: Men are twice as likely as women to develop cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx, often due to alcohol and tobacco use

Diet low in fruits and vegetables.

Inherited genetic conditions

 

Symptoms of Lip Cancer

 

Initially, lip cancer may not show any symptoms except for a sore or lump on the lips. Dentists often first notice lip cancer during a routine dental checkup.

 

 

 

Lip cancer symptoms and indicators include:

 

 

 

An ulcer, sore, or blister that continues and does not heal.

A discolored white or red area on the lip

Bleeding or crusty spots on the lip

Unexplained swelling or growth on the lips, tongue, or jaw

Persistent lip pain or numbness

 

 

 

 

How Long Does Lip Cancer Take to Spread?

 

 

The progression and spread of oral cancers can occur at different rates. Both squamous cell lip cancer and lip melanoma are known to spread quickly. However, the rate at which they progress can differ significantly. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial.

 

 

 

Knowing the cancer's stage is crucial for determining the right treatment plan for lip cancer. For lip and oral cavity cancer, the following stages are used:

 

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)

The mouth cavity and lip linings contain abnormal cells that is confined to the top layer of cells. These abnormal cells could develop into cancer and infiltrate neighboring normal tissue.

 

Stage I

Cancer has formed. At this stage, the tumor is 2 cm or smaller, and its depth of invasion is 5 mm or less

 

 

Stage II

 

The tumor measures 2 cm or less, and the maximum depth of invasion exceeds 5 mm.                                                                       or

The tumor is between 2 cm and 4 cm and the deepest point of invasion is not more than 10 mm

 

 

 

Stage III

 

The tumor is larger than 4 cm and the deepest point of invasion is greater than or equal to 10 mm

 

 

 

Stage IV

 

In this stage, cancer is larger than 4 cm and has spread to nearby lymph nodes, upper or lower jawbone, oral cavity, into the sinus, or to the skin of the face. In this stage, cancer may also spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or bones.

 

 

 

 

 

How To Prevent Lip Cancer

 

 

 

There are situations when lip cancer cannot be prevented. Nonetheless, a person can lower their chance of getting lip cancer by:

 

 

Minimizing or avoiding ultraviolet light from the sun and using appropriate sun protection creams like SPF protection lotions and sunscreen, wearing a hat with a brim, and lip balm with SPF protection.

 

Avoiding the use of tanning beds.

 

Cutting back on alcohol consumption.

 

Quitting tobacco products and staying away from tobacco smoke.

 

Undergoing routine dental checkups

 

 

 

 

Lip cancer can look different for everyone, so if you notice something unusual, you should call your healthcare practitioner for an appointment. Additionally, many cases of lip cancer are initially detected by dentists, making regular dental check-ups especially for those at higher risk. Lip cancer is curable, but if left untreated, can spread to other areas of the mouth and tongue or can spread to distant organs through lymph nodes. If the cancer spreads, treatment becomes more difficult, and the prognosis becomes unfavourable.

 

 

 

If you have any questions related to lip cancer, you can check with our dentist or cancer specialist at Ask a doctor, 24x7.