In the past few years, cancer cases have been on the rise. Among several other cancers, Lip cancer cases are also on the rise owing to the usage of tobacco and smoking. Amidst the rising cases, we spoke to Dr Niraj Bhatt, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara to understand the causes, risks, symptoms, and prevention for the lip cancer.
Dr Niraj said, “Lip cancer is one of the kinds of oral cancers, and occurs particularly on the lower lip compared with the upper lip. The most common kind is squamous cell carcinoma, followed by basal cell carcinoma.”
“Its aetiology is notably strong with tobacco use, whether smoked, chewed, or applied as tobacco paste. Human papillomavirus infection also contributes to the development of oral cancer, and also ultraviolet exposure, especially in light-skinned individuals,” Dr Niraj added.
According to Dr Bhatt, the illness commences as an apparently superficial and flat ulcerative lesion on the lip. It spreads further on the swelling, involving adjacent tissues and sometimes includes the lymph nodes.
“If untreated, this carcinoma may break through into other structures locally, like the buccal mucosa, gingivobuccal sulcus, and even as high as up to the bone of the jaws,” said Dr Bhatt.
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Dr Niraj mentions that a biopsy of the lesion is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. He added that treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Early-stage lip cancer that is confined to the lip is treated surgically and/or by radiotherapy. But where the disease is advanced, inoperable, or recurrent, treatment might include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
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“Since the risk factors for lip cancer are well established, it is largely preventable,” said Niraj.
The best preventive measure is to avoid tobacco in any form, which greatly reduces the risk. He advises limiting direct sunlight exposure, especially during peak hours, as it reduces the chances of developing lip cancer, especially for fair-skinned individuals who are more susceptible to UV-induced damage.
According to Dr Niraj, early diagnosis and preventive measures can really help in reducing the incidence of lip cancer. Awareness and lifestyle changes can do a lot in avoiding such a dangerous condition.
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