A cancer of the lip is a malignant neoplasm that develops from the cells of the flat epithelium of the lower or upper lip. More often the tumor affects the lower lip, it is due to some features, for example, insufficient amount of lubricant, as well as a high risk of negative carcinogenic and other factors that irritate the tissues of the lower lip.
Important is the fact that the disease mostly affects older men, so the cancer of the lips in the people is called the disease of old age. Men at the age of 60 to 80 years who live in the village are at risk, but this does not mean that other people are insured against the disease, so the symptoms of the disease should be known.
Causes of Lip Cancer
There are a number of reasons that can provoke the development of cancer on the lower or upper lip. First of all, it is worth noting such a banal bad habit as smoking. Resins contained in tobacco are just those harmful factors that affect the development of the tumor. Another reason is the high temperature regime. This factor refers to people whose work is associated with high temperatures, such as bakers or blacksmiths. Mechanical trauma also refers to the causes of tumor development.
There are also a number of dental reasons:
- Incorrect bite, in which the teeth are constantly in contact with the lip or teeth affected by caries, which develops the infection.
- Diseases of the gums, during which the teeth loosen and sharp edges regularly touch the lips.
- An improperly chosen denture can also contribute to the contact of the teeth and lips, resulting in the skin of the lips suffering and getting damaged.
Another category is a disease of the internal organs:
- Disease of the intestine;
- hepatic insufficiency ;
- inflammation of any kind.
To be afraid of the development of cancer of the lips, it is worthwhile for lovers to sunbathe in the sun, since direct sunlight has a negative effect on the epithelium and can also provoke the disease. In addition, low immunity and the absence of vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene in the body are a noble soil for a malignant tumor.
Symptoms of Lip Cancer
The first sign of the appearance of lip cancer is the formation of lip seals with a rough surface and a feeling of discomfort during meals. Further, these symptoms are accompanied by minor pain, itching and abundant salivation.
The listed signs are of a general nature and can indicate infectious diseases including, therefore, based only on them, it is difficult to suspect the development of a malignant tumor.
Symptoms of lip cancer include "standard" signs of cancer, namely:
- deterioration of well-being;
- increased fatigue;
- severe weight loss;
- elevated temperature;
- weakness.
The most characteristic symptom for the disease is the formation of a roughened tubercle of brown or pink color, which may outwardly resemble a wart. Over time, the layer of cornified epithelium increases.
Thus, noticing the "wart" on the lip, accompanied by general symptoms of oncology, you should visit a doctor.
Lip Cancer Treatment
There are several ways to treat:
- The cryogenic method is carried out with the help of liquid nitrogen.
- Radiation therapy includes near-focus X-ray therapy, electronic therapy and interstitial radium therapy.
- The method of photodynamic therapy, consisting of investment and the introduction of photosensitizing drugs.
- The surgical method is the most radical.
In order to choose the correct method of treatment, the doctor takes into account the stage of the disease, the specificity and extent of the tumor, and the age of the patient. Based on these characteristics, treatment is prescribed and administered.