Lip Cancer

Lip cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control, resulting in tumors (solid tissue masses) or lesions (abnormal areas of skin) on your lips. Most lip cancers (about 90%) are squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer starts in the cells located in your skin’s outer layer. Less common types are basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Lip cancer can develop on either your upper or lower lip, but it’s more likely to start on your lower lip. The most common sign is a sore, blister, ulcer or lump on your bottom lip that won’t go away.

How common is lip cancer?

Lip cancer is the most common type of oral (mouth) cancer, but makes up less than 1% of all cancer diagnoses total in the United States. Only about .1% of people in the U.S. will get diagnosed with lip cancer at some point in their lives.