It may look like chapped lips initially that may later become scaly or white. It is generally painless, but if left untreated, it may cause squamous cell carcinoma – a type of skin cancer.
Lip cancer is a type of oral (mouth) cancer that occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the lips. Symptoms are similar to less serious conditions such as cold sores or chapped lips so they are often overlooked.
Signs and symptoms of lip cancer include: A flat or slightly raised whitish discoloration of the lip. A sore on your lip that won't heal. Tingling, pain or numbness of the lips or the skin around the mouth.
Actinic cheilitis is a pre-cancerous condition, most often affecting the lower lip, presenting as persistent dryness and cracking. If left untreated, it can lead to a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Your chapped lips could be caused by something aside from dry weather. An allergic reaction, yeast infection, or something more serious can make your lips feel dry and uncomfortable. Actinic cheilitis is a precancerous condition that turns one or both lips dry and scaly.
See a dermatologist if your problem persists. Chapping that doesn't heal, despite regular use of lip balm, can be a sign of infection or a more serious problem, like cancer or a precancerous condition called actinic cheilitis.
Lack of moisture can make the problem worse, whether it's weather-induced or related to a lack of self-care. Little humidity in the air during the winter months is known to cause chapped lips. Frequent sun exposure in the summer can also worsen your condition. Another common cause of chapped lips is habitual licking.
A white or red patch inside your mouth or on your lips may be a potential sign of squamous cell carcinoma. There is a wide range in how oral cancer may look and feel. The skin may feel thicker or nodular, or there may be a persistent ulcer or erosion.
Oral cancer may present as: patches of rough, white, or red tissue. a hard, painless lump near the back teeth or in the cheek. a bumpy spot near the front teeth.
Early signs of mouth cancer one should look out for include: Mouth sores that easily bleed and do not heal. Loose teeth. Red or white patches on the tonsils, gums, tongue, or the mouth lining.
Lip cancer is the most common cancer of the mouth. More than 90% of oral mucosa cancers, including lip cancers, begin in the squamous cells of the epidermis. Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that line the lips and other areas of the mouth. These cells grow out of control and form lesions or tumors on the lips.
Differences between cold sores and cancer
Although cancerous lesions may look or feel like cold sores when they appear, they won't heal the same as cold sores. Recurrent cold sores aren't a sign of cancer.
A persistent, scaly red patch with irregular borders that sometimes crusts or bleeds. An elevated growth with a central depression that occasionally bleeds. For information on squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our SCC Warning Signs page.
Cancer of the mouth is considered to spread at a moderate rate, not being categorized among either the slowest-spreading cancers or the fastest-spreading types.
Lip cancer is very curable. This is because the lips are prominent and visible, and lesions can be seen and felt easily. This allows for early diagnosis. The University of Texas McGovern Medical School notes that the chance of survival after treatment, without recurrence at five years, is greater than 90 percent.
Risk factors for developing mouth cancer include: smoking or using products that contain tobacco. drinking alcohol – smokers who are also heavy drinkers have a much higher risk compared to the population at large. infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts.
First, some basics: Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), the most common type of skin cancer, may appear on the upper lip, more commonly on the outer cutaneous (skin-colored) part adjacent to the lip rather than the vermilion (pink or red) part.
The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure. Most dentists perform an examination of your mouth during a routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. Some dentists may use additional tests to aid in identifying areas of abnormal cells in your mouth.
“If chapped lips continue for two to three weeks even after you've started moisturizing regularly, are staying hydrated, and avoiding licking, you should see a board-certified dermatologist,” Dr. Browne suggests.
What does it look like? Solar cheilitis predominantly affects the lower lip because it tends to be more prominent. The homogenous pink color of the healthy lip (Figure A) is replaced with non-homogenous white/gray, pink, red, or brown areas and the normally sharp vermillion/skin border becomes less distinct (Figure B).
Cold and Flu Symptoms: Cold Sores and Chapped Lips
One of the most frustrating side effects of colds and flu is dry, cracked, irritated lips -- not to mention cold sores. All can occur if you've got even a low-grade fever, or in the case of chapped, cracked lips, from mouth breathing when you have a stuffy nose.
Discoloration, often appearing brown, pink, gray, red, yellow, or white. Flat or slightly raised. Hard or wart-like surface. Roughness or scaly skin.
What causes lip blisters? Blisters on the lip include cold sores, sunburn blisters, and canker sores. A person should pay attention to the blister's location and its appearance to help identify the cause. There are many reasons why lip blisters develop, including infections, sun damage, and allergies.