Cancer Head & Neck Cancer Symptoms of Lip Cancer What to look for, especially if you have certain risk factors By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 24, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Lip cancer is a type of oral cancer that occurs when malignant cells develop in the lips. Dentists are frequently first to catch the signs of this disease, the symptoms of which can be similar to those of less serious conditions. However, lip cancer may also not have any symptoms at all. Because they're in a visible area, cancers of the lip are usually caught early. As a result, treatment is often successful. According to the American Cancer Society, when lip cancer is caught before it has spread to other areas of the body (metastasized), the five-year survival rate is 92 percent. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images Common Symptoms As you can see from reviewing this list, the most common signs and symptoms of lip cancer can be quite obvious—but they can also easily be mistaken for another concern, such as a cold sore or dry skin, or even ignored: A lump or thickened area on the lipsWhite or red patches on the lipsA sore, lesion, or ulcer (on the outside of the lips or on the inner folds inside the mouth) that does not healBleeding, pain, or numbness in the lip areaA lump in the neck or swollen lymph nodes Symptoms of Oral Cancers Always be sure to keep up with regular dental cleanings and exams; your dentist will be on the lookout for signs of lip cancer at these visits. Risk Factors Given this, it's especially important for those with known risk factors to be extra vigilant about seeing a healthcare provider if symptoms arise. Lip cancer is more common in older men, those who are fair-skinned, and people who are immunosuppressed. Cases usually occur on the lower lip, since it receives more sun exposure—the leading cause of lip cancers. In fact, an Australian study found 81 percent of lip cancers reported over 25 years occurred in this area. Those who develop lip cancer as a result of sun exposure are also at higher risk of developing a second form of skin cancer. Use a lip balm that contains sunscreen, and reapply it frequently—especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors (for example, for work). Using both alcohol and tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes) will dramatically increase your risk of lip cancer as well, so it's important to kick your tobacco habit and reduce your drinking if excessive. Diagnosis If you have a visible sore or lesion, your healthcare provider will visually examine it. He or she will want to know how long you have had it, if it has become worse, and if you suspect anything may have caused it. Ultimately, only a biopsy can rule out lip cancer. You may receive a referral to an ear-nose-throat practitioner for this procedure. Under local anesthesia, the medical professional can biopsy the area in-office. Pain is minimal and usually subsides in one to two days. Advanced or complex cases may require general anesthesia or sedation. Children who require biopsies may also be given general anesthesia for their safety during the procedure. Differential Diagnoses It may help to know there are many common causes of lip sores, such as eating new foods, biting your lip, or taking some medications. In addition, unrelated conditions such as cold sores, canker sores, and herpes may cause lip ulcers and can develop at any time of life. Hand, foot, and mouth disease can also cause lip sores; it occurs most often in children under the age of 5, though it can affect older individuals. When examining you, your healthcare provider will work to rule out these concerns before coming to a diagnosis of lip cancer. How Healthcare Providers Diagnose Oral Cancer A Word From Verywell As with any condition, early detection is key. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it is important to see your healthcare provider. Treatment for lip cancer is similar to that for other types of oral cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are the most common treatment options. But remember to take this process one step at a time. While symptoms could mean lip cancer, they very well could be due to something far less concerning. Only a practitioner can tell you that. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Cancer Society. Survival rate for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. Revised January 9, 2020 Abreu L, Kruger E, Tennant M. Lip cancer in Western Australia, 1982-2006: A 25-year retrospective epidemiological study. Aust Dent J. 2009 Jun;54(2):130-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2009.01105.x Maruccia M, Onesti MG, Parisi P, Cigna E, Troccola A, Scuderi, N. Lip cancer: a 10-year retrospective epidemiological study. Anticancer Research. 2012;32(4):1543-1546. Karni, RJ. Lip cancer. McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.