Carcinoma Lower Lip: Shaving and Reconstruction under Local Anesthesia

The lips are one of the most important features of the face; and are functionally and aesthetically very important. It serves as border of the oral commissure, provides access to oral cavity and contributes to oral competence. It is important for verbal expression and fundamental for facial expression and overall appearance of face [1]. Excessive sun exposure and tobacco use, may develop cancer. The cancer can occur anywhere along the upper or lower lip but is most common on the lower lip. Most lip cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Surgery is the main stay of treatment and lip shave is an established modality for superficial lesion followed by reconstruction. Extensive surgery may be necessary for larger lesion. Careful planning and reconstruction can restore eating and speaking normally, and also achieve a satisfactory appearance after surgery. Evidence supports that the concept of lip reconstruction started as early as 1000 BC in the sacred texts of great Susruta, India [2]. Lip mucosa is very special and it is recommended to reconstruct the surgical defect with lip tissue whenever possible, as any other tissue is never comparable or can replace the lip tissue [3]. This is the example of this presented case.

Keywords: Lip squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); Lip shaving; Reconstruction