Treatment Of Lip Cancer

Early cancers of the lips can be treated by surgical removal of cancer or radiotherapy. More advanced cancers require more aggressive surgery including removal of lymph nodes and other tissues of the same or both sides of the neck, radiotherapy or a combination of both. Chemotherapy and targeted therapy can be used as a complement to other treatments.

The goal of treatment for cancer of the lips is to cure cancer permanently or to achieve a complete remission of the disease. Remission means there is no sign of disease in the body, although they may reappear later.

Common treatments for cancer of the lip

According to the spread of the disease, one or more of the following treatments may be used:

Chemotherapy, often with cisplatin (Platinol), alone or in combination with other substances to attack cancer cells

Radiation therapy to attack cancer cells

Surgery to remove the cancer and to assess how far it has spread

Targeted therapy to attack cancer cells

Some people with lip cancer participate in clinical trials with promising new treatments are studied.

Other treatments for cancer of the lips

Other treatments can be added to help with your general health and possible side effects of treatment:

Anti-nausea medication if you experience nausea

Growth factors of blood cells to increase the number of white blood cells if they become too low during treatment

Blood transfusions temporarily replace blood components like red blood cells, which have a low level because of the treatment

Diet tips to help maintain the strength and nutritional status

Occupational and physical therapy to help with swallowing

Complementary therapies

Some complementary therapies may help some people cope with lip cancer and its treatments. These treatments are sometimes called alternative therapies used in conjunction with traditional medical treatment. Complementary treatments are not supposed to be a substitute for comprehensive medical care.

Complementary therapies may include:

Acupuncture

Massage Therapy

Yoga

Palliative care

In the case of lip cancer has progressed to an advanced stage and it was responded to treatment, the goal of treatment changes from cure the disease, and focus on measures to keep a person comfortable and to maximize quality of life. Palliative care involves medical control pain and other symptoms while providing emotional support and spiritual services to support the patient's family.

What are the possible complications of lip cancer?

The complications of untreated cancer of the lip can be severe, even fatal in some cases. To minimize the risk of serious complications after the treatment plan for you and your health care plan specifically for you. The complications of cancer of the lip are the following:

Change the physical appearance

Lack of ability to eat, drink, speak or breathe

Extension to surrounding structures, the skin around the lip, mouth, tongue and mandible (lower jaw bone)

Extension to remote areas of the body

Spread to the lymph nodes of the neck