The presence of certain risk factors are associated with development of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip. Identification of a patient at risk can help target early intervention.
Risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip:
(1) sunlight and ultraviolet light, especially in fair skinned individuals who work outdoors
Squamous cell carcinoma involves the lower lip much more frequently than the upper lip (about 20 times greater according to Wurman). This has been ascribed to the greater exposure to sunlight. It also is more common in men than women, which may be partially explained by a greater likelihood of an outdoor occupation (although several other risk factors may be present) for men and the use of lipstick by women.
NOTE: I did not find HPV infection listed as a risk factor. I also did not see that people who chewed tobacco were at greater risk. It will be interesting to see if persons who use tanning beds have an increased risk. Finally, syphilis does not appear to increase the risk despite earlier reports of an association.
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