What Are Early Signs of Lip Cancer
If you’ve recently noticed any abnormalities in your lips or around your mouth, you may be concerned that you have lip cancer. Lip cancer, which is the most common type of mouth cancer, can produce a number of symptoms in its early stages, including:
- Sores on the lips or in the mouth that won’t heal
- Lumps or thickening in the lips
- Red or white patches on the lips
- Pain, tingling and numbness in the lips or around the mouth
- Lip bleeding
- Jaw swelling and tightness
While lip cancer can develop in the upper or lower lips, it tends to be more common in the lower lip. It’s also important to note that in some cases, lip cancer doesn’t produce any symptoms at all.
Risk factors for lip cancer
Scientists are still working to determine exactly what causes lip cancer. However, there are numerous factors that can increase the risk of developing this malignancy, including:
- Using tobacco in any form (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chew)
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- Being excessively exposed to the sun
- Having fair skin
- Being a man
- Being over 40 years old
- Being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Having a weakened immune system
Lip cancer treatment at Moffitt
If you’re experiencing any of the signs of lip cancer described above, you can turn to Moffitt Cancer Center for diagnosis and treatment. The specialists in our Head and Neck Cancer Program employ a variety of diagnostic techniques to test for oral cancer. If we determine that you have lip cancer, we’ll provide you with an individualized treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.
To request an appointment at Moffitt Cancer Center, call us at 1-888-663-3488 or complete our new patient registration form online.