What Is Lip Cancer?

Written by Chioma Eve
Medically Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD on August 11, 2025
7 min read

Lip cancer is a type of oral cancer that occurs on the lips, usually the lower lip. It typically begins on the lower lip, where abnormal cells start to grow out of control. These cells can form a sore or lump that doesn’t heal, and if left untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of the mouth or face.

Lip cancer symptoms may look similar to regular lip problems at first, such as cold sores or mouth ulcers, making them easy to overlook.  But if they persist after a few weeks, you should check with your  doctor.

Daniel Landau, MD, an oncologist and expert contributor with The Mesothelioma Center In Orlando, FL, says that “lip cancer can present as a bump, freckle, or irritation on the lip.”

Some common signs and symptoms are:

  • A persistent sore, lesion, or blister on the lip that bleeds easily and doesn’t heal within two weeks.
  • A slightly coloured patch (usually white or reddish in color on light skin, or dark brown or gray on dark skin).
  • Swelling of the jaw
  • A growth on the neck 
  • Loose teeth 
  • Incessant bleeding, pain, numbness, or tingling of the lips or mouth

Having any sores or lumps on your lips doesn’t necessarily mean it’s lip cancer. If you notice any of these symptoms, discuss them with your dentist or doctor.

Like other cancers, lip cancer happens when cells on the lip start growing out of control and, over time, form a tumor. Experts aren’t sure what causes this to happen. 

Who’s at risk for lip cancer? 

Anyone can get lip cancer, although certain things can make it more likely for some people:

Tobacco use. This includes the use of any kind of tobacco (smoking, chewing, or snuffing). 

Heavy alcohol use. Uncontrolled use of alcohol increases your risk of lip cancer. People who both smoke and drink heavily are about 30 times more likely to develop oral and oropharyngeal cancers.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Exposure to this type of light – from sunlight or through the use of tanning beds – is one of the biggest risk factors for lip cancer.

Age. Age is another risk factor for lip cancer, as it occurs mostly in people over the age of 50. Men are more likely to develop lip cancer than women.

Sex. People assigned male at birth are much more likely to get lip cancer than people assigned female at birth. In the United States, men make up about 95% of lip cancer diagnoses. 

Family history of oral or skin cancers. Having a family history of oral or skin cancers may increase your risk of developing lip cancer. This means if a close relative has had these cancers, you might be more likely to get them too.

HPV infection. Infection with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (specifically the HPV 16 type) has been linked to some oral cancers. 

Weakened immune system. An analysis of several studies has shown that when your immune system isn’t working well, your chance of oral cancer is higher. 

Poor oral hygiene.  Studies have found that not taking care of your teeth and gums has a strong link to the formation of oral cancers.

Before your doctor diagnoses you with any type of cancer, they’ll take these things into account: 

 Your symptoms

  • Your medical and family history
  • Your lifestyle, which includes tobacco and alcohol use

For lip cancer, your dentist or dermatologist will examine your lips and mouth and ask about your symptoms. If something looks suspicious, they’ll perform tests  to confirm whether it’s cancer.

A step-by-step approach may look like this:

  1. Physical exam: Your doctor will carefully look at areas such as your mouth, face, and neck to check for signs that the cancer has spread beyond the lips.
  2. Cell sample test: The surface of the suspected area may be gently scraped. The sample is placed on a glass slide, stained with a dye, and examined under a microscope. 
  3. Biopsy: If abnormal cells are found, a small sample of tissue is removed for further examination. This process is called incisional biopsy. It is usually done in the doctor’s office after numbing the area with local anesthetic.

What Kinds of Tests Can Diagnose Lip Cancer?

Advanced lip cancers can spread to other parts of the body. 

After physical and visual examinations and a biopsy have been conducted, and the results show signs of cancer, your doctor may order these additional tests to see if it has spread:

Endoscopy. Your doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end through your nose or mouth to examine your throat, voice box, or other internal structures of your head and neck.

Imaging tests. These include tests such as CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, or X-rays that help doctors see inside the body. These images can show if the cancer has spread to nearby areas, such as the jawbone, neck, or lymph nodes.

 

The type of treatment depends on the size, stage, and location of your cancer. For lip cancer, early treatment is usually effective, especially when the cancer hasn’t spread. 

Common treatment options for lip cancer include: 

Surgery. This is the most common option. It removes the tumor and some healthy tissue around it to make sure all the cancer is gone. If a significant portion is removed, you may have reconstructive surgery to improve how the area looks or to restore function.

Radiation therapy. This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone, or you may get it after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy. Drugs can be used to kill cancer cells, especially when the cancer has spread or when radiation and surgery aren’t enough on their own. This treatment delivers drugs throughout the body and reduces the risk of the cancer spreading or returning.

Targeted therapy or immunotherapy. In more advanced cases, newly produced medicines may be used. These include targeted drugs that block a protein cancer cell from growing and immunotherapies that help the immune system recognize and destroy lip cancer cells more effectively.

Other complications can happen after your treatment, including problems with: 

  • Chewing
  • Eating
  • Swallowing
  • Speaking
  • Appearance

Talk to your doctor about how to manage these issues. If your tumor was large, you may need reconstructive surgery to fill in the area of tissue that was removed. A speech therapist, or speech-language pathologist, can help you with problems that you may have with speaking and swallowing. 

In most cases, lip cancer is caught early enough for treatment to be effective. But watch carefully for any signs that it has come back and let your doctor know about any new symptoms right away. “If not treated and if it continues to grow, it can become incurable," says Landau. ”Any abnormality should be professionally examined.”

“While many of us have become attuned to using sunscreen on exposed skin, many people don't think as much about lip protection,” says Landau.

To lower your chances of lip cancer: 

  • Use lip balm with SPF 15 or higher when you go outside.
  • Protect your face from the sun.
  • Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.
  • Limit how much alcohol you drink.
  • Keep regular dental appointments.
  • Talk to your doctor about whether the HPV vaccine may be right for you.

Life after a lip cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but many people recover fully, especially when it’s caught early. 

Here are some tips that can help:

  • See your doctor for frequent checkups and follow-up visits.
  • Follow your treatment plan closely.
  • Protect your lips from sun exposure.
  • Eat soft, nutritious foods to help with healing.
  • Stay connected to supportive friends, family, or a cancer support group.
  • Talk to your care team if you notice any new symptoms or side effects that don’t heal.
  • Lip cancer typically begins in the skin of the lips, most commonly on the lower lip.
  • Common symptoms include sores, bleeding, and numbness that persist.
  • Common causes are excessive use of tobacco, alcohol, and sun exposure.
  • Lip cancer is diagnosed through exams, biopsies, and scans.
  • Lip cancer is not a death sentence. There are several treatment options, like surgery, radiation, and sometimes medication.
  • Early detection leads to better outcomes, so regular dental and skin checks are important. 

What are the first stages of lip cancer?

The first signs to look out for are sores, bumps, or patches that don’t heal in a short period. It might often bleed, feel numb, or look scaly.

What is the survival rate for lip cancer?

If found early, the survival rate at five years after diagnosis is around 90% or more, depending on how far the cancer has spread and how it responds to treatment. 

Does lip cancer spread fast?

On the onset, lip cancer tends to grow slowly. However, if left untreated, it can spread. Early treatment hinders it from spreading.

Is there a cure for lip cancer?

In many cases, yes. Lip cancer that is localized or has spread to nearby lymph nodes can be cured, especially when it’s detected early.

How common is lip cancer?

Lip cancer is relatively rare, but it’s one of the more common forms of oral cancer, especially in older adults and people who spend a lot of time in the sun.

How can I tell the difference between a mouth ulcer and lip cancer?

Typically, mouth ulcers heal within one to two weeks of appearance. Often, they are caused by factors such as stress, biting your lip, or consuming certain foods. Lip cancer sores don’t go away and may grow, bleed, or feel numb over time. If a sore lasts more than two weeks, it’s a good idea to get it checked by a doctor.