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Lip cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages, presenting as painless red or white patches or small ulcers. Dentists and doctors are more likely to detect it early. Prompt treatment is important as it can spread quickly and become serious. Treatment involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
It’s easy to miss the early symptoms of lip cancer. In its early stages, the disease is usually painless and there tends to be no obvious physical signs of a problem. It may present as red or white patches, or manifest as a small ulcer similar to a more benign ulcer. In more advanced stages, lip cancer symptoms may appear as lesions or sores on the lips or a thick, lumpy feeling in the area. The lips may also feel numb or painful, but just as often there is no sensation at all.
Even when lip cancer becomes visible, it can be difficult to distinguish it from other mouth disorders. Discolorations or sores on the lips are usually benign, but if they don’t heal within two weeks, they should be investigated by a doctor as potential symptoms of lip cancer. Dentists and doctors are more likely to be able to detect the disease in its early stages, as they are more alert and knowledgeable about changes in oral tissue. They may also be able to detect cancer before testing.
If treated early, symptoms of lip cancer can be relatively mild. A biopsy should be done as soon as possible if a lump, ulcer, or discoloration is suspected by a doctor. If not caught in the early stages, lip cancer can spread through the oral cavity and up to the neck. Prompt treatment is especially important with lip cancer as it can spread quickly.
Lip cancer is not common, but it can be extremely serious if it is not diagnosed in its early stages. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are a sign of more advanced lip cancer. By this time, lumps may be evident in the mouth and neck. Once the lymph glands are affected, the risk of the cancer spreading through the lymph fluid and blood to the rest of the body increases.
Treatment for lip cancer typically involves a team effort between an oncologist and a dentist, the former performing surgery and the latter providing additional supervision. Treatment usually begins with surgery to remove the cancerous lump. Lymph nodes may also be removed from the neck so tests can be done to ensure that the cancer has not started to spread. After surgery, radiation to kill remaining cancer cells is common. Chemotherapy may be used if the disease is more aggressive or advanced.
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