Lip Cancer

Overview

Lip cancer is the most common form of oral cancer, occurring most often in men. The most common type of lip cancer is squamous (SKWAY-mus) cell cancer, which has the ability to spread. Another type is basal cell cancer of the lip, which is unlikely to spread. Risk factors for lip cancer include using tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless), heavy alcohol use, having a sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), having light-colored skin or being exposed to too much sun. When diagnosed early, lip cancer is highly curable.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for lip cancer

• Expertise and experience. A multispecialty team of experts will work together to diagnose and treat your lip cancer. Depending on how extensive your cancer is, your team may include specialists in ear, nose and throat (ENT), radiation oncology, medical oncology, dermatology, and other areas if needed.
• World-famous services. Mayo Clinic pathologists are internationally known for their diagnostic skill. With one of the largest clinical laboratories in the world, pathologists analyze tissue samples not only for Mayo Clinic patients, but also for people across the U.S. and around the world.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart

Read more about mouth cancer.