Characteristics of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers of the Cutaneous Perioral and Vermilion Lip Treated by Mohs Micrographic Surgery
October 2018
in “
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
”
TLDR Mohs micrographic surgery is effective for early-stage non-melanoma skin cancers on the lips, with basal cell carcinoma more common on the upper cutaneous lip and squamous cell carcinoma more common on the lower vermilion lip.
The document summarizes findings from studies on the characteristics of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) of the cutaneous perioral and vermilion lip treated with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). It includes data from 161 patients, revealing that basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is more prevalent on the cutaneous lip, particularly the upper region, while squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is more common on the vermilion lip, especially the lower region. The study found that BCCs are more likely to occur in women and SCCs in men, with risk factors including sun exposure, age, lighter skin, and outdoor occupation. Recurrences were rare, with a higher rate in vermilion lip cancers. The study concluded that MMS is an effective treatment for early-stage lip cancers, with high survival rates reported, and noted a decrease in the incidence of external lower lip cancers over time. Factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and hydrochlorothiazide use were considered but not found to be significantly associated with cancer type or location.
