Lip Cancer – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Lip cancer develops on the lips’ skin. It primarily affects the lower lip and is a type of oral cancer. Most cases are squamous cell carcinomas, which start in the flat cells found in the middle and outer skin layers.
The main risk factors include excessive sun exposure and tobacco use. People can reduce their risk by wearing hats, applying sunblock, and quitting smoking.
Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the cancerous tissue. For small lip cancers, the surgery may be minor with minimal cosmetic impact. Larger lip cancers require more extensive procedures.
Common risk factors:
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless)
- Fair skin
- Male gender
- Older age
When treating larger lip cancers, doctors carefully plan reconstruction to preserve normal eating and speaking functions while achieving the best possible appearance.
Signs and Lip Cancer Symptoms
Lip cancer can show several warning signs on and around your lips. Watch for these common symptoms:
- A whitish patch on the lip that appears flat or slightly raised
- An open sore on your lip that doesn’t heal
- Feelings of tingling, pain, or numbness in your lips or surrounding skin
These symptoms might develop gradually over time. Pay attention to any changes in how your lips look or feel.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you notice any lip symptoms that last for more than a few weeks, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Don’t ignore persistent lip sores or discoloration, especially if they don’t improve with time. Early detection is important for effective treatment.
Causes
Scientists don’t fully understand what causes lip cancer. Like other cancers, it begins when cells in the lip develop DNA mutations. These genetic changes tell cells to grow rapidly and live longer than they should.
Normal cells follow instructions from their DNA about when to grow, divide, and die. When DNA mutations occur, these instructions change. The abnormal cells multiply without control and don’t die when they should.
Over time, these cells form a tumor. This mass of cells can invade nearby tissues and disrupt normal body functions.
Risk Factors
Several factors may raise your chance of developing lip cancer:
- Tobacco use in any form (cigarettes, pipes, chewing tobacco).
- Fair skin that burns easily.
- High sun exposure to the lips over time.
- Weakened immune system due to illness or medications.
Ways to Protect Your Lips
Preventing lip cancer involves making smart lifestyle choices and protecting your lips from harmful elements. Here are several effective strategies to lower your risk:
Avoid Tobacco Products
Stop using tobacco in any form, or never start. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco expose your lip cells to harmful chemicals that can cause cancer. Quitting now can significantly reduce your risk.
Limit Sun Exposure
Stay out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. This applies even on cloudy days or during winter months. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon instead.
Use Sun Protection
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to your lips
- Reapply every 2 hours, or more often when swimming or sweating
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection
- Consider using lip balm with SPF protection
Skip Tanning Beds
Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation that increases lip cancer risk. There is no such thing as a “safe tan” from artificial UV sources.
Protective Habits for Lip Health
| Habit | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Regular lip checks | Early detection of changes |
| Staying hydrated | Prevents cracking and damage |
| Using lip protection year-round | Consistent defense against UV rays |
| Wearing hats outdoors | Additional barrier against sun exposure |
Regular self-examinations of your lips can also help catch any concerning changes early.
