Contact us
Precision Medicine
What is lip cancer?
9 October 2025
Lip cancer is a type of oral cancer characterized by an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells on the skin of the lips, mainly the lower lip. It is primarily caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, as well as tobacco and alcohol use.
Lip cancer, or lip melanoma, begins in the squamous cells of the skin and occurs more frequently in men.
Risk factors that can trigger it include:
- Excessive exposure to the sun’s rays.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Smoking.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Ill-fitting dentures or prostheses.
- Light skin tone.
- A depressed immune system.
Signs and symptoms Lip Cancer
Lip cancer usually first appears as a sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal, typically on the lower lip. This lesion may seem harmless at first, similar to a canker sore or common wound, but over time, it grows, bleeds, and becomes painful. A hardened lump, changes in skin texture, or persistent scaling may also appear.
Other possible symptoms include numbness, a tingling sensation, swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck area), or difficulty speaking and moving the lip. If the cancer progresses, nearby structures such as the jaw or the inside of the mouth can be affected, compromising basic functions like eating or speaking.
Diagnosis Lip Cancer
Diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical evaluation of the lip and oral cavity by a doctor or dentist, who will look for suspicious signs such as persistent ulcers or abnormal masses.
If a suspicious lesion is found, a biopsy will be performed. This involves taking a tissue sample for histopathological analysis to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, imaging studies such as a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound will be used to determine the local extent of the tumor and if it has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This is key to determining the cancer’s stage and planning the treatment.
Treatment Lip Cancer
The treatment for lip cancer depends on the size, location, and stage of the tumor. In early cases, oncological surgery is usually the treatment of choice and consists of excising the lesion with safe margins. If the surgery leaves a significant defect, it can be addressed with reconstructive procedures to restore the lip’s function or appearance.
Another option is radiation therapy, especially for patients who are not surgical candidates or as a complementary treatment after surgery. In advanced stages or if lymph nodes are involved, a combined treatment that includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy may be required.
The chosen therapeutic approach will be decided in a multidisciplinary way, with the goal of preserving as much lip function as possible and minimizing complications.
Generally, a diagnosis in the initial stages has a favorable prognosis.
At the Cancer Center of Centro Médico ABC, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
How can we help you?
Ricardo Ostos
Content CreatorLearn more about Ricardo on LinkedIn
The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
Interest-free
months in:
Interest-free
months in:
Specialty Centers
Diagnostic Studies
Check-ups
Hospitalization1
Valid until December 31, 2025. Promotions not cumulative. Subject to restrictions 1. In hospitalization, medical fees are not included. 2. Minimum amount: $1,500 for 3 to 6 months and $3,000 for 7 to 9 months 3. Minimum amount $1,500. (Cards issued abroad are not eligible).