With the increase in skin cancer, there has also been an increase in lip cancer over the years. Lip cancer often goes undiagnosed due to people believing it is a cold sore or herpetic lesion. It is a disease, however, in which malignant cancer cells are found in the tissues of the lips.

Cancers of this type are most often found in people over age 45. Lip cancer is more common in men than it is in women and is more likely to occur in people who are light skinned. It is commonly found in sun bathers or those who work or are exposed to sunlight for great lengths of time. Pipe and cigar smokers are also at higher risk for this type of cancer. Some of the things to look for are:

• Lump in lip
• Sore that does not heal

Recovery often depends on where, on the lip, the cancer is found. Dentists are most often the ones to find it during routine dental visits. The stage of the cancer is also quite important. Stage refers to the level of spread that the cancer cells have attacked. Treatment success depends on how early the cancer has been found. It usually involves surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of all. It is very important to wear some type of protection on the lips. Sun blockers, lip balms, etc., are available and the lips should always be included and protected.

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