Lip cancer prevalence, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management: A review of the literature

Abstract

Lip cancer is a common oral neoplasm that affects men more than women and is more prevalent in the lower lips. Proper diagnosis and staging are required for successful management and optimal outcomes. Herein, we discuss the prevalence of oral cancer, its warning signs and symptoms, and its diagnostic procedures (including the proper patient work-up, clinical and radiographic examination, biopsy, and the histopathological correlations between these data). Given that early diagnosis is considered essential for a good prognosis, we also discuss the tumor-node-metastasis classification system used for staging lip tumors and its importance in determining the optimal treatment. Additionally, we describe the indications and surgical techniques that produce the best functional and aesthetic results, depending on the extent and location of the lesion. Our review of the literature revealed that >90% of lip tumors comprise squamous cell carcinomas. Even though it can be diagnosed early in its course, the treating physician must properly stage the lesion and select the surgical procedure that will ultimately provide the best cosmetic and functional results. Proper knowledge of the different reconstruction procedures and their applications is the key to successful management. Purpose: To review evidence-based practice guidelines in the diagnosis and management of patients with lip cancer based on the available literature. These guidelines are well-established; however, proper diagnosis, accurate staging, and selection of the optimal surgical intervention are required to ensure successful functional and good aesthetic results, as well as favorable long-term prognoses. Methods: We analyzed lip cancer prevalence, predisposing factors, staging, and the role of patient ethnicity. We also discussed different methods of diagnosing and managing lip cancer to obtain the best prognostic and aesthetic results. Results: We identified clinical and radiographic aspects that must be considered when evaluating and treating patients with lip tumors. Optimal functional and aesthetic results can be obtained by accurately diagnosing and staging the lesion, and by selecting the optimal reconstructive method post-resection based on the tumor's size and location. Conclusion: All patients with non-healing lip lesions must undergo a thorough physical evaluation, including intraoral examination and medical history assessment. Properly diagnosing and staging lip cancer allows for its prompt management using the optimal surgical technique that will produce the best outcomes.

Keywords

• Hyperplasia
• Biopsy
• TNM classification
• Oral cancer
• Reconstructive surgical procedures