Lip and oral cavity cancers rank as the 13th most common cancers worldwide, highlighting the significant burden of this disease on a global scale.
Tobacco is considered a major risk factor for the development of Lip and oral cancer.
It is estimated that nearly 3.5 billion people are affected by oral diseases worldwide. Oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancer globally.
Early detection and intervention are crucial in improving outcomes for individuals with lip and oral cavity cancer. Timely diagnosis allows for prompt treatment initiation, which can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Lip and oral cavity cancer can occur in various sites within the oral cavity, including the lip, tongue, gum, floor of the mouth, and palate. These sites correspond to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) definition for oral cancers.
MedicoExperts tumor board can help in the detection of cancer sites and arrange for effective treatment.
Let us know in detail about this cancer.
What is lip and oral cavity cancer?
Lip and oral cavity cancer refers to the development of malignant (spreads in the body) cells in the lips or the mouth.
Types of Lip and oral cavity cancer
Lip and oral cavity cancer can encompass several different types of malignant tumors. The most common type of cancer that occurs in the oral cavity is squamous cell carcinoma.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC): This type of cancer originates in the salivary glands and can affect the oral cavity.
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma: It is a malignant tumor that arises from the salivary glands and can occur in the oral cavity
What are the different stages of lip and oral cavity cancer?
The stages of lip and oral cavity cancer describe the extent and spread of the cancer within the body. The staging system helps determine the appropriate treatment options and predicts the prognosis of the disease.
Here are the stages commonly used for lip and oral cavity cancer:
Stage 0 lip and oral cavity cancer:
Stage 0, also known as carcinoma in situ, refers to the earliest stage of cancer where abnormal cells are found only in the lining of the lips or oral cavity.
Stage I lip and oral cavity cancer:
This stage indicates that the cancer is small and localized, usually measuring less than 2 centimeters in size and limited to the primary site.
Stage II lip and oral cavity cancer:
At this stage, the cancer may be slightly larger (2-4 centimeters) or may have spread to nearby lymph nodes on the same side of the neck.
Stage III lip and oral cavity cancer:
The cancer is larger and may involve deeper tissues in the oral cavity or the adjacent structures, such as the jawbone. It may also spread to lymph nodes on the same side of the neck.
Stage IV lip and oral cavity cancer:
This advanced stage is divided into two subcategories:
Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to nearby structures, such as the bones of the skull or jaw, or lymph nodes on the same side of the neck. It may also involve multiple lymph nodes.
b. Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to distant organs or structures, such as the lungs, liver, or distant lymph nodes.
Early detection and diagnosis of lip and oral cancer
1. Oral Cancer Screening:
Regular dental check-ups and oral cancer screenings can aid in the early detection of lip and oral cavity cancer.
Dentists and healthcare professionals typically perform oral examinations to look for abnormalities, such as red or white patches, sores that do not heal, or lumps and bumps in the mouth.
If any suspicious findings are identified, further diagnostic tests, such as biopsies, may be recommended.
2. Self-Examination:
Performing regular self-examinations can also help detect lip and oral cavity cancer early. This involves using a mirror to inspect the lips, gums, tongue, and other areas of the oral cavity for any abnormalities.
It is important to look for any persistent changes or symptoms, such as mouth sores, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing, or persistent hoarseness.
3. High-Risk Factors:
Individuals with certain risk factors like tobacco use or lip and oral cavity cancer should be particularly vigilant and consider regular screenings.
4. Awareness and Education:
Raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of lip and oral cavity cancer is essential for early detection.
Education programs in communities and healthcare settings can help individuals recognize potential warning signs and seek medical attention promptly.
Different Risk Factors Associated with Lip and oral cavity cancer
The risk factors associated with lip and oral cavity cancer include:
1. Tobacco Use:
Tobacco use in any form, including smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as chewing tobacco, greatly increases the risk of developing lip and oral cavity cancer.
The chemicals in tobacco can damage the cells in the mouth, leading to the development of cancer.
2. Alcohol Consumption:
Excessive and long-term alcohol consumption is another significant risk factor for lip and oral cavity cancer. Alcohol can irritate the cells in the mouth and make them more susceptible to developing cancer.
3. Prolonged Sun Exposure:
The lips are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection, such as lip balm or sunscreen, increases the risk of developing lip cancer.
4. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection:
Some types of HPV, particularly HPV-16, and HPV-18, have been linked to an increased risk of developing oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers, including those affecting the back of the tongue and tonsils.
5. Poor Oral Hygiene:
Neglecting proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and plaque in the mouth.
This can contribute to gum disease and other chronic oral conditions that increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
6. Poorly Fitting Dentures:
Long-term irritation of the lining of the mouth caused by poorly fitting dentures has been suggested as a potential risk factor for oral cancer. Irritation and chronic inflammation may increase the risk of cancerous changes in the oral tissues.
7. Age:
The risk of developing lip and oral cavity cancer increases with age, with most cases being diagnosed in individuals over the age of 45.
The survival rate of lip and oral cavity cancer
The 5-year relative survival rates for lip and oral cavity cancer vary for different subtypes:
- Lip Cancer: The overall five-year survival rate for lip cancer is reported to be around 92%.
- Tongue Cancer: The five-year relative survival rate for tongue cancer is reported to be approximately 84%.
- Floor of the Mouth Cancer: About 73% is the reported five-year relative survival rate for cancer located on the floor of the mouth.
MedicoExperts Tumour Board can help in improving the survival rate.
Treatment Strategies for Lip and oral cavity cancer
1. Surgery:
Surgery is often the primary treatment for lip and oral cavity cancer. The goal is to remove the cancerous tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Depending on the location and extent of the tumor, various surgical approaches may be used, such as wide local excision, neck dissection to remove lymph nodes, or reconstructive surgery to restore form and function.
2. Radiation Therapy:
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used as the primary treatment or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy can be external, where the radiation is delivered from outside the body, or internal (brachytherapy), where a radioactive source is placed directly on or near the tumor.
3. Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It may be used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy can be given before surgery to shrink the tumor (neoadjuvant chemotherapy), after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells (adjuvant chemotherapy), or as palliative therapy to relieve symptoms in advanced cases.
4. Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapy specifically targets and blocks the molecular changes that contribute to the growth of cancer cells.
It can be used in cases where specific molecular targets are identified, such as certain genetic mutations or protein overexpression.
Targeted therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatment modalities.
5. Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
It can be used in certain cases of lip and oral cavity cancer, particularly those associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Immunotherapy drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors, can be used to enhance the immune response against cancer cells.
Role of MedicoExperts Tumour Board in Lip and oral cancer remission
MedicoExperts tumor board plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of lip and oral cavity cancer. It is a multidisciplinary team consisting of various healthcare professionals involved in the care of individuals with cancer, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and other specialists.
The primary function of the tumor board is to review and discuss individual cases, specifically those involving lip and oral cavity cancer, to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for each patient.
The team members analyze the patient’s medical history, imaging results, pathology reports, and other relevant information to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Benefits of the tumor board
Key roles and benefits of the tumor board in the management of lip and oral cavity cancer include:
1. Accuracy of diagnosis: Tumor boards ensure that accurate diagnoses are made by considering diverse perspectives and expertise from various specialists.
This collaborative approach minimizes the chance of misdiagnosis and helps determine the exact site and extent of the tumor.
2. Treatment planning: The tumor board is responsible for formulating an individualized treatment plan for each patient based on the specific characteristics of their cancer.
This plan may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the stage and location of the tumor.
3. Consensus and collaboration: The tumor board promotes collaboration among specialists, fostering an environment where different perspectives and expertise can be shared and integrated.
This collaboration ensures that the treatment plan is comprehensive, evidence-based, and takes into account all aspects of the patient’s care.
4. Ongoing case review: Tumor boards also regularly review and monitor the progress of patients undergoing treatment, allowing for adjustments and modifications to the treatment plan as needed.
This ensures that the patient’s care remains up-to-date and responsive to any changes or challenges that may arise.
Conclusion
1. Lip and oral cavity cancer is a significant global health issue, with high incidence and mortality rates. It is particularly prevalent in developing countries but also occurs in the developed nation.
2. The incidence of lip and oral cavity cancer varies across different regions and populations.
3. The diagnosis and treatment of lip and oral cavity cancer require a multidisciplinary approach involving a tumor board. This collaborative team ensures accurate diagnosis, optimal treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring of patients.
4. The quality of care for lip and oral cavity cancer has shown improvement over the years, supporting better outcomes for patients.
5. Risk factors associated with lip and oral cavity cancer include age, family history of cancer, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and previous cancer diagnoses without treatment.
While overall rates of lip and oral cavity cancer may be declining in some regions, it remains a public health concern with significant implications for affected individuals.
MedicoExperts Tumour Board provides effective treatment for lip and oral cancer and thus decreases the disease burden.
FAQ :
Q1. What are the 3 early signs of oral cancer?
Ans. Early detection of oral cancer is crucial for successful treatment. Here are three common early signs of oral cancer:
Persistent Mouth Sores
Unexplained Persistent Pain
Unexplained Growth or Lump
If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to consult a dentist or doctor for proper evaluation and guidance
Q2. Is lip cancer curable?
Ans. Yes, lip cancer can be curable, especially if it is detected and treated in its early stages. The prognosis and curability of lip cancer depend on various factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the treatment approach used.
Written by Dr Subhamoy Mukherjee, Ph.D. (Oncology).
Dr Subhamoy is a molecular oncologist and worked with genomic profiles of patients. He has 8 years of experience in scientific writing and patient data analysis. He takes strong interest in making people aware of the different diagnostic and treatment approaches of cancer through his informative articles and blogs.
