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Cancer is a devastating disease that affects over one hundred thousand South Africans annually. Cancer can develop in any part of the body. A lesser-known type of cancer is lip cancer. However, it is one of the more common forms of oral cancer.

The formation of malignant cells in the lip tissue causes lip cancer. According to CANSA, lip cancer mainly affects men over 40.

Two types of skin cancer affect the lips: squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancer.

The most squamous cells are in the thin, flat cells that outline the lips and mouth. It is mainly associated with sun exposure. Squamous cells are in the upper layer of the skin, while basal cells are in the lower layer of the skin.

The diagram below shows where squamous and basal cells are located.

Did you know that your dentist can detect any early signs of lip cancer and refer you for the appropriate tests and treatment? When caught in its early stages, lip cancer patients have a 92% five-year survival rate.

This is why having regular dental check-ups is essential.

Signs Of Lip Cancer

When lip cancer starts to develop, you will most likely notice the following symptoms:

• A persistent sore or thick lump on the lips,
• Constant pain on or around the lips,
• A bump on or near the lips,
• A white or red patch on the lips or near them.

What Causes Lip Cancer?

There is no definitive cause for lip cancer, says CANSA. There are, however, several factors which can increase your risk of developing lip cancer, including the following:

• Smoking cigarettes and consuming anything with tobacco or tar,
• Excessive alcohol consumption,
• UV light/sun exposure,
• Fair in complexion, and
• Infections with human papillomavirus (HPV).

Older men who consume lots of alcoholic beverages and are immunocompromised are more likely to develop lip cancer.

Regular And Prolonged Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure, especially without proper protective measures like sunscreen, hats etc., is a risk factor for developing melanoma and lip cancer.

Eat Well

Eating the daily recommended allowance of vitamins and minerals is imperative for keeping your immune system strong.

A diet low in fruit and vegetables will increase your chances of getting lip cancer and other lifestyle diseases that put you at risk of being immunocompromised.

Always tell your dentist if you are suffering from any illnesses, and be honest about your lifestyle to assist them with a proper diagnosis.

HPV

All types of mouth cancer have been linked to the human papillomavirus, or HPV.

HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual intercourse with an infected person. Luckily, there are HPV vaccines that help to reduce the rates of mouth cancer.

Home Detection

Always be aware of what is happening with your body, especially in the soft tissue areas like your mouth.
Much like one would do a self-examination for breast tissue cancers, you can do a self-check in the mirror for anything out of place in the mouth.

First, be aware of any sore spots you may feel on the inner lip, the roof of the mouth, the tongue, or the gum line. You can use your tongue to feel out any particularly rough spots.

Then, check the outer layer of the lips for any cold sores or cuts that have not healed in over three weeks. This is a telltale sign that something is affecting your immune system, prohibiting the injured skin from healing.

If you spot anything out of the ordinary, make an appointment with your doctor or dentist for an exam.

Full Mouth Examination

During your biannual Full Mouth Examination, your dentist will scrutinise the mouth area for any pathological changes which could indicate cancer.

During your routine full mouth examination, a dentist will check the face, neck, and glands for unusual bumps. They will also check any red patches or sores around your mouth for signs that they are cancerous, including a slow healing process and sores that bleed easily.

They will also check for leukoplakia, a white or grey-raised lesion in the mouth. Lastly, they will check if any thickened tissue is present in or around the mouth.

Can a Dentist Do A Lip Biopsy To Determine Lip Cancer?

Yes, your dentist can perform a lip biopsy. During your routine full mouth examination, your dentist might decide to do a biopsy.

Once the dentist has taken the biopsy, it will be sent to a laboratory for review. If the results indicate lip cancer or any other form of oral cancer, an excision will be performed to remove the cancerous cells.

What Does A Full Dental Exam Entail?

When your dentist does a check-up on your mouth, they perform the following:

• Check any particular dental or oral concerns you may have,
• Panoramic radiographic examination,
• Digital intraoral radiographs,
• Evaluation of the teeth and soft tissues,
• Extraoral evaluation of head and neck tissues and structures, and
• Intraoral Radiographs.

Dentists recommend a full check-up every six months to catch any issues before they worsen. The health of your teeth and gum tissue contributes to your overall health.

Affinity Dental will help keep your teeth healthy by covering regular dentist visits, full
oral examinations, scale and polish, fillings, tooth extractions and much more.