Cancer of the lip accounts for 40 percent of the cancers of the mouth. Lip cancer is commonly seen as an ulcer that fails to heal, and it usually occurs due to smoking and excess exposure to sun, according to Wrongdiagnosis.com. With cancer of the lip, you may not have any symptoms initially, and you may often ignore it in the early stages. Your dentist may discover it during a routine dental check, according to National Cancer Institute.
Ulcer
An ulcer or a sore on the lip that does not heal is the first symptom of a lip cancer. Nine out of 10 cancers are seen on the lower lip. It usually appears as a non-healing ulcer at the junction of middle and outer third of the lower lip, according to the American Oral Cancer Clinic. According to Merck's Manual, this cancer often feels rock hard and is attached to the underlying tissues.
Lump on the Lip
Lip cancer is often seen as a lump or thickening on the lips, according to the National Cancer Institute. Your lip will appear thickened and swollen.
Pain and Bleeding
With a cancer of the lip, you may have pain that makes it difficult to eat food. Pain can also occur in the lymph node of the affected part of the lip. This indicates that the cancer has spread beyond the lip to the lymph nodes, according to American Cancer Society. Additionally, an ulcer on the lip bleeds easily and can cause your lip to bleed.
Numbness
Loss of sensation in the lip indicates the cancer has spread and erodes the nerves, according to Baylor College of Medicine experts. When the cancer has spread to the nerves or compresses on the nerves, your lips will feel numb.
Swollen Neck Glands
The cancer can spread beyond the lip to the lymph glands of the neck. Your doctor will find swollen lymph nodes when he examines your neck. Consult your doctor if the above symptoms occur.
