Posts Tagged ‘Flat Cells’

Dangers Of Getting Lip Cancer – Common Kind Of Skin Cancer

When we think of skin cancer, we don’t usually thing of lip cancer. However, is more common than most of us realize. It is the most common form of oral cancer.

Most lip cancers start in squamous cells. These are the thin, flat cells that line our lips. These cancer cells, also known as squamous cell carcinomas, usually begin in areas of leukoplakia (white patches of cells that do not rub off). Interestingly, this type of skin cancer usually happens on the lower lip.

There are certain groups of individuals who are at a greater risk than others for developing this kind of skin cancer. This group would include males, people over the age of 40. It would also include individuals who use tobacco or alcohol products or have a history of head or neck cancer. Having said that, anyone is at risk of developing cancer.

Lip cancer has the same risk factors as other kinds skin cancer. The highest risk factor for all forms of skin cancer is the sun. Fortunately, this is one risk factor that we can control. Simply by using good sun blockers that have been formulated to protect the lips can go a along way in protecting them from UVA/UVB exposure.

Another risk factor associated with this type of cancer is being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).

A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal or a white or red patch on the gums are some of the early symptoms of lip or oral cancer. Bleeding, pain or numbness in the lip or mouth would be other symptoms. As well, a lump or thickening on the lips or gums would be an indication that there was a problem.

It should be noted that lip cancer may not have any symptoms and is often found during regular visits to the dentists. Also, the above mentioned symptoms may be an indication of other medical conditions.
If you are having any of these signs be sure and have them checked out.

To correctly diagnoses this kind of skin cancer it is important/spin] for you to have a physical examination of the lips and oral cavity. An endoscopy and x-rays to the head, neck and chest area are often [spin]ordered as part of the diagnosing procedure. A PET scan may also be ordered. A biopsy or a procedure to collect cells for the lip or oral cavity may be given.

There are certain considerations that affect the prognosis. How advanced] the cancer is at and where the tumor is [located in the lip will determine the rate of recovery.

Treatment options will depend on the how advanced the cancer is, the size of the tumor and where it is located in the lip or oral cavity. Also, whether the patient’s appearance and ability to talk and eat can stay the same will all be considered.

Like all other forms of cancer there is a risk that lip cancer will spread to other areas of the body. Don’t overlook any irregularities that may indicate there is something not normal. The sooner lip cancer or any other type of cancer is diagnosed the greater the survival rate. Don’t put off going to your doctor to get these irregularities checked out.

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