[Squamous cell carcinoma of the lip. Retrospective analysis of 42 cases]

To examine to what extent physicians follow a regional guidelines for the diagnosis, staging, treatment and follow-up of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lower and upper lip.

retrospective analysis of data from the medical records of 42 patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the lower and upper lip during the period 1990-2000.

Department of head and neck pathology, oral cavity and audio-verbal communication of Naples University.

the data were collected by this Department.

In accordance with the TNM system, the 50% of cases was in stage T1, 33% in T2, 14% in T3. In few cases (3%) the lesion was in stage T4. All cases were in M0 and only 8% of cases presented nodal disease at diagnosis (N1). The type of treatment in relation to age was in agreement with the guidelines in 34% of cases. Of the 42 surgically-treated patients, only 4 showed, after 12 months, a local recurrence.

Prognosis is good if squamous carcinoma is diagnosed early.