1. Prognosis of lip cancer is quite good, with a five year survival rate at 95% -100% for lower lip carcinoma and 58% for upper lip carcinoma. Intraoral cancer prognosis is dependent upon the stage of lymph node involvement. If no metastases have occurred, the five-year survival rate is 83%, decreasing to 41% with cervical node involvement and 9% when nodes below the clavicle are involved.
Prevention
• Annual oral cancer screening exam
o Recommended by American Cancer Society
• Tobacco cessation
• Alcohol use in moderation
Treatment
Evaluation by a specialist for any mouth lesion that won't heal or bleeds easily; persistent lump or soreness in the mouth, throat, or tongue; or difficulty chewing or swallowing
Biopsy of suspicious lesions
Surgical resection, lymph node dissection, radiation, or chemotherapy are all treatment options depending on clinical stage and location
References Oral Cancer, American Cancer Society. Accessed on 3/7/2014 at
Special Section: Cancers with Increasing Trends in the US: : Cancer Facts and Figures 2012, American Cancer Society. Accessed on 3/7/2014 at
American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2009.
Oral Cancer Facts, The Oral Cancer Foundation. Accessed on 3/7/2014 at
Screening for Oral Cancer, Topic Page. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Updated November 2013 Accessed on 3/7/2014 at