Do you have any changes like this on your lips? Let's be aware of lip cancer.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed something like a small sore on your lip? You probably thought it was a cold sore. But if that sore hasn't healed in two or three weeks, it's normal to feel a little worried. Most of the time, we don't pay much attention to these things, except to think, "Maybe we're lacking vitamin C." However, sometimes a small sore that doesn't heal can be the beginning of something we need to pay more attention to. That's why we thought we'd talk about this topic today, Lip Cancer. Don't be afraid, the most important thing is to be aware of it.

Simply put, what is lip cancer?

Okay, let's put it very simply. Our bodies are made up of billions of tiny cells. These cells divide, grow, and eventually die. This is the normal process. But in cancer, for some reason, the DNA of these cells changes, and they start dividing uncontrollably, like crazy.

In lip cancer, this is what happens to the cells in our lips. This is how abnormal cells divide uncontrollably, forming tumors or lesions that don't heal .

The most common type of lip cancer (about 90%) is squamous cell carcinoma . This occurs in the outermost layer of cells in our skin. In addition , basal cell carcinoma and melanoma are also rare. Although this cancer can occur on the upper or lower lip, it is most common on the lower lip .

What could be the symptoms of this?

At first, lip cancer looks like a sore on the mouth that won't heal. Many people confuse it with a cold sore. But remember, a cold sore usually heals on its own in about 10 days. But a cancerous sore doesn't heal that way and stays there.

Let's see what other features it has. You can get a clear idea about this from the table below.

Why does lip cancer develop? What are the risk factors?

In fact, doctors still can't pinpoint a single cause for lip cancer. However, they have studied the lifestyle and environment of many people who have developed the disease and identified several risk factors that may contribute to the disease.

Think about it this way. We have a door in our house. If we use only one key to lock that door, it is safe. But if we put a bunch of keys that don't fit properly in that lock and try to turn it all the time, after a while the lock may break. In the same way, these risk factors are things that damage the cells in our body and increase the chance of developing cancer.

Let's look at those risk factors in the table below.

How does a doctor diagnose this disease?

Often, you may first notice this type of change when you go to your dentist for a dental checkup or see a dermatologist for a skin condition. When you see a doctor who notices a change in your lips, they will likely follow these steps:

1. Physical Exam: The doctor will first carefully examine your lips, mouth, face, and neck. He will ask you about your symptoms and your habits, such as whether you smoke.

2. Soft Tissue Biopsy: This is the most definitive way to confirm the disease . This involves taking a very small piece of tissue from the lesion or lump and sending it to a pathology lab for examination. The tissue is examined under a microscope to determine if it contains cancer cells.

If the biopsy confirms that it is cancer, the doctor will next check to see if the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other areas outside the lips. But the good news is that lip cancer can often be detected before it spreads.

Tests like these may be done to see if the cancer has spread:

• Imaging Tests: Tests such as a CT scan (Computed Tomography scan), PET scan, or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are used to look for lumps inside the body.
• Endoscopy: Here, you are anesthetized and a small, flexible tube with a camera attached is passed down your throat to check for signs of cancer.

What are the treatments for this?

The best treatment for you will depend on the size of the lump or lesion and the stage of the cancer. If detected early, surgery alone can often cure it completely. If the disease has spread, a combination of treatments may be needed.

Surgery

This is the main treatment. Here, the surgeon removes the cancerous lump or lesion and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. Then, stitches are placed to restore the appearance of the lip. If there is a suspicion that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, they may also be removed.

Radiation Therapy

This treatment uses high-energy rays (radiation) to destroy cancer cells. Sometimes it is given as an alternative to surgery, and other times it is given to destroy any cancer cells that may remain after surgery.

Chemotherapy

This involves giving the body drugs that kill cancer cells. This treatment is often given in conjunction with radiation therapy. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, this treatment is also used to control symptoms (palliative care).

Targeted Therapy

This is a new treatment method. Here, drugs target and destroy specific genes and proteins that help cancer cells grow.

Immunotherapy

This treatment stimulates our body's own immune system, thereby helping the body fight cancer cells.

Does this cancer spread quickly? Is it life-threatening?

The answer to this question is largely "no." Squamous cell carcinoma, the most common type of lip cancer, spreads very slowly . Also, because the lips are a highly visible area, most people can see this change early. Therefore, treatment can begin before the cancer spreads.

For this reason, lip cancer is a type of cancer with a very high cure rate . According to statistics, 91% of those diagnosed with the disease are still alive after five years. This means that the chances of recovery are very high.

However, all of this depends on early detection and proper treatment . So, if you have a sore on your lip that won't heal, don't ignore it.

What can we do to reduce this risk?

"Prevention is better than cure." That means it's better to prevent the disease from developing than to treat it after it has developed. There are a few simple things you can do to reduce your risk of lip cancer.

• Avoid tobacco use completely: This is the most important step you can take. If you smoke, try to quit.
• Stop excessive alcohol use: If you drink alcohol, limit it.
• Protect your lips from the sun: Whenever you're out in the sun, use a lip balm with at least SPF 30. This applies even on cloudy days. Avoid the sun's rays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as much as possible.
• Avoid artificial sunlight: Things like tanning beds increase the risk of skin and lip cancer.
• Get checked for oral cancer: Every time you visit your doctor or dentist, check your mouth for any unusual changes.