Lip Cancer

Diagnosis

After the initial interview with a patient, the physician may take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) for laboratory analysis. In some cases, biopsy is part of surgical treatment rather than a separate procedure. Experienced Mayo Clinic oral pathologists examine the tissue under a microscope to determine the type of cells involved.

A physician who suspects that cancer has spread beyond the surface of the lip may order X-ray images, magnetic resonance (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, and/or ultrasound testing.