Lip cancer is an oral cancer that first develops on the lips, usually causing an open sore or painful lump. Early warning signs of lip cancer can be difficult to recognize. As the cancer progresses, symptoms can also affect the teeth, gums, tongue and inner cheeks.
Other common symptoms include mouth pain, a white or red patch on the gums, and swelling of the jaw.
The first sign of lip cancer is a physical change in the lips. You may notice an open sore or lesion on your lip that looks like a blister, lump, or fluid-filled lump. A cancerous lesion on the lips may be painful or numb and may sometimes bleed. Lip cancer is different from cold sores or pimples because it does not heal over time.
Other changes in the lips may include:
- Changed patches of skin on the lips
- Thickening of the lips
What is the difference between lip cancer and cold sores?
A sore on the lips can mimic the appearance of cold sores, which are usually caused by the contagious herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores associated with cold sores develop on or around the lips and look like a collection of pus-filled blisters. Although there is no cure for cold sores, they usually go away on their own in about 10 days.
Lip canker sores last longer than this time frame and do not heal. A visit to the doctor may be a good idea if your lip inflammation lasts longer than 10 days.
As lip cancer grows and spreads, it can affect other areas of your mouth, causing symptoms such as:
- A lump on the gum or tongue
- Thick patches of skin in the mouth
- White or red spots on the gums or tongue
- Pain or numbness in the lips or mouth
Lip cancer sometimes spreads to the throat. When this happens, it can cause the following symptoms:
- Problems swallowing food
- A sore throat that won’t go away
- Feeling as if food is stuck in your throat
- Difficulty moving the jaw
- Changes in your voice
When left untreated, lip cancer can spread to areas beyond the lips, mouth, and throat. In advanced stages, lip cancer can cause systemic (body-wide) symptoms, such as:
- Pain in the ear
- Hearing changes
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Unintentional weight loss
- Bone pain
- Fatigue
Lip cancer is rare in children, and sores or tumors in a child’s mouth are usually non-cancerous. Although it is more common in older adults, some children can develop lip cancer, which can cause symptoms such as:
- Sores on the lips that do not heal
- A lump in the mouth
- White or red spots on the gums
- Mouth pain or bleeding
If your child develops any of these symptoms, visit their pediatrician or dentist for proper testing.
Contact your doctor if you develop symptoms of lip cancer that do not improve after one to two weeks. Symptoms may include a sore on the lips, pain in the mouth, or a white or red patch on the gums.
These symptoms can occur for non-cancerous reasons, such as viruses or injuries, but it is important to see your doctor after two weeks of symptoms without improvement.
Lip cancer is a cancer of the oral cavity that causes a cancerous lesion or sore on the lips. This sore usually does not heal without treatment. If left untreated, lip cancer can also affect the teeth, mouth and throat.
Other symptoms may include numbness of the lips, discolored patches on the lips or mouth, toothache, and swelling of the jaw. If you have symptoms, a consultation with your primary care provider or dentist can help you understand your condition and get the treatment you need.