Paying more than lip service to lip lesions

• Published in: Canadian family physician Vol. 49; no. 9; pp. 1111 - 1116
• Main Authors: Bentley, Janna M, Barankin, Benjamin, Lauzon, Gilles J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada The College of Family Physicians of Canada 01.09.2003; College of Family Physicians of Canada
• Subjects: Cancer; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - diagnosis; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - epidemiology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - therapy; Cheilitis - diagnosis; Cheilitis - epidemiology; Cheilitis - pathology; Cheilitis - therapy; Diagnosis, Differential; Family medicine; Humans; Leukoplakia, Oral - diagnosis; Leukoplakia, Oral - epidemiology; Leukoplakia, Oral - pathology; Leukoplakia, Oral - therapy; Lip Neoplasms - diagnosis; Lip Neoplasms - epidemiology; Lip Neoplasms - pathology; Lip Neoplasms - therapy; Morbidity; Mouth; Prevalence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Self Concept; Severity of Illness Index
• ISSN: 0008-350X; 1715-5258

To review the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of the most common, potentially lethal, lip lesions: leukoplakia, actinic cheilitis, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). QUALITY OF EVIDENCE MEDLINE: was searched from 1966 to 2002 for English-language articles on prevalence of lip lesions. No articles for a family physician audience were found. MEDLINE was searched again using the terms "leukoplakia," "actinic cheilitis," and "squamous cell carcinoma." Randomized, controlled trials were selected; non-blinded trials, population-based studies, and systematic reviews were also used. Leukoplakia, actinic cheilitis, and SCC of the lips are relatively common presentations that can cause substantial morbidity and, more rarely, mortality. Any abnormality of the lips can be an embarrassment. Because of the seriousness and frequency of lip disease, it is important to look for, diagnose, and treat lip lesions to prevent morbidity and mortality and also to maintain social acceptance and self-esteem. Knowledge of leukoplakia, actinic cheilitis, and SCC of the lips will aid family physicians in diagnosing and managing these lesions and in preventing associated morbidity and mortality.