Lip Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors & Symptoms

Lip Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors & Symptoms

If you develop a sore or lump on your lips or inside the mouth that doesn’t heal, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. The sore can be more severe than you think – it can be the early sign of lip cancer. In most cases, lip cancer is detected and treated early because it is visible. However, it is still crucial to know the possible causes or risk factors so we can take preventive measures to reduce the risk. Read on to learn more about lip cancer and its causes.

If you develop a sore or lump on your lips or inside the mouth that doesn’t heal, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. The sore can be more severe than you think – it can be the early sign of lip cancer. In most cases, lip cancer is detected and treated early because it is visible. However, it is still crucial to know the possible causes or risk factors so we can take preventive measures to reduce the risk. Read on to learn more about lip cancer and its causes.

What Causes Lip Cancer?

Lip cancer is a type of oral cancer which develops on the lips, most commonly on the lower lip. It typically happens when abnormal cells grow out of control, causing tumours or lesions on the tissues that line the lips and mouth.

What causes lip cancer is not clear. However, there are some factors which can increase the risk of developing cancer. These are:

1. Age:

Anyone can develop lip cancer, though the risk is more among people in their 50s and 60s.

2. Sex:

The risk of contracting lip cancer is higher in men than in women.

3. Use of tobacco:

Smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars or chewing tobacco and snuff increases the risk of lip cancer.

4. Excessive alcohol consumption:

Excessive alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco, increases your risk of lip cancer.

5. Excessive exposure to sun:

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds can damage the skin on the lips, raising the risk of cancer.

6. Fair skin:

People with fair skin are vulnerable to this ailment.

7. Weakened immune system:

Individuals with a weakened immune system are considered a risk category for all cancers, including lip cancer.

Some common signs and symptoms you must watch out for are a sore or lump on the lips that won’t heal, pain, numbness, or tingling on your lips or in mouth, bleeding from lips, a flat or slightly raised coloured spot on your lips, etc.