Lip carcinoma. Our experience

Introduction and objective: Lip cancer is the most common type of cancer in head and neck tumors. The risk factors are well-defined (UV exposure, smoking, precancerous lesions), and affects mostly older men. The survival rate is high (more than 90 percent according to the scientific research) regardless of the treatment. The most frequently employed treatments include radiation, brachytherapy and surgery with reconstruction, obtaining similar results between them. Methods: We review all the patients diagnosed of lip cancer in San Pedro Hospital from 2012 to 2017, and analyze the treatments performed, the reconstruction technique used and the survival. Furthermore, we review the relevant literature about lip cancer in the main medical databases. Results: On the whole of the13 patients underwent surgery, there has not been any specific sick leave, using the different procedures for reconstructing, obtaining satisfactory aesthetic and functional results. Discussion: According to the revised bibliography, lip cancer is a common disease which can be treated preferably with surgery and reconstruction. It is diagnosed at early stages, so that the frequency of metastasis is low and its mortality rate below 2 percent. Conclusions: It is quite common that patients diagnosed with lip cancer may be assessed in several specialities. We believe that the figure of otorhinolaryngologists should make the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of this disease due to the global vision that head and neck oncology needs