Lip cancer arises from the uncontrolled growth of irregular cells, leading to the formation of tumors or lesions on the lips. Lip cancer belongs to the category of squamous cell carcinoma and can manifest on either the upper or lower lip, although it predominantly occurs on the lower lip.
Numerous factors significantly heighten the risk of developing Lip Cancer, with major risk factors encompassing:
Early stage lip cancer may look like a flat or slightly raised patch of discoloration. Other lip cancer symptoms include:
If lip cancer is suspected, your doctor may recommend diagnostic procedures, which can include:
There are various treatment options available for lip cancer, and the most suitable approach depends on the cancer’s size and stage. Treatment modalities for lip cancer encompass:
This involves the removal of the cancerous lesion and subsequent lip repair. In cases of sizable tumors, reconstructive surgery can be performed to restore the lip’s appearance.
Utilizing potent X-ray beams, radiation therapy is employed to target and eliminate cancer cells. It may be administered as a standalone treatment or recommended post-surgery to eradicate any residual cancer cells.
Cancer-fighting drugs are administered either in pill form or intravenously to exterminate cancer cells. Sometimes, chemotherapy is combined with radiation therapy. In instances where lip cancer has spread to other body parts and no alternative treatments are available, chemotherapy may be suggested to alleviate symptoms.
Typically used in conjunction with chemotherapy, this approach targets specific genes and proteins within cancer cells. It can disrupt the cancer cells’ environment, leading to their demise.
Enhancing your body’s immune system to combat cancer cells, immunotherapy may be employed as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other cancer therapies. For lip cancer, immunotherapy is typically considered when the cancer has advanced, and alternative treatment options are limited.
Most patients need an average stay of 4 days for minor surgery to 7 days in major surgeries. ICU stay is required for major surgery. Patients will have a feeding tube for maintaining nutrition during hospital stay.
State of art radiation machines and chemotherapy wards
It is around 1 lakh - 3 lakhs, sometimes vary on seriousness of the cancer
By avoiding tobacco products, tanning beds, sun during the middle of the day, and not by using broad-spectrum sunscreen
2 weeks is the recovery period for Lip cancer treatment but again it depends on the condition of the patient.
Dr Rahul Buggaveeti is the best Lip Cancer doctor in Hyderabad