Any type of cancer diagnosis is scary. However, when it occurs in a location as visible as the lip, it is even more distressing. Fortunately, a skilled surgeon can remove the cancer while minimizing the effect on your appearance and daily functioning.
At his private practice in Los Angeles, Fullerton, and Orange, California, complex general surgical oncologist Dr. Trevan Fischer uses cutting-edge techniques to treat everything from skin cancer, like squamous cell carcinoma, to soft tissue sarcoma and more.
In addition, he furthers the field of cancer treatment through research and the training of surgical oncology fellows at Cedars-Sinai's affiliate, The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute.
A common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma begins in the squamous cells that are located near the surface of the skin. About 1.8 million cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. It can occur anywhere on the body, including on the lip.
Most often, lip cancer appears as a sore that won't heal. Unlike a cold sore, which improves within a few weeks, SCC stays the same or worsens over time. Depending on the location, it may alternatively present as a white or red patch. Tingling, numbness, or pain may also occur.
Several factors can raise your risk. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds can increase the odds of lip cancer on the outer or dry lip.
Tobacco use in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff, can boost the likelihood of cancer on the inner or wet lip. Drinking significant amounts of alcohol can contribute as well.
Having fair skin or a weakened immune system can also play a role.
Treatment involves surgery to remove the cancer and an area of healthy tissue around it to make sure all the cancer cells are gone. Depending on the size, this can be a challenge for both the appearance and functions like eating, drinking, and talking.
If the cancer is small, repairing the lip after surgery is relatively easy. However, in cases when more skin must be removed, reconstructive surgery using tissue and skin from another part of the body may be necessary.
Depending on the situation and if the cancer has spread, additional treatments could be needed, such as removing one or more lymph nodes, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drug therapy.
Catching cancer early is critical for an easier and more minimally invasive treatment as well as for the best possible outcome.
Whether you have a sore that isn't healing or have already been diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Fischer can provide state-of-the-art care. Click to book an appointment or call the office today at 310-807-2688.
