An unusually large squamous cell carcinoma mass arising from the lower lip

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip is a relatively common malignancy of the head and neck region. Tumor thickness, grading, and perineural invasion are significant prognostic indicators. We report an 81-year-old, otherwise healthy woman presenting with a huge friable mass originating from her lower lip. The lesion had started as a small papule 8 years before. It later became eroded and ulcerative and transformed into a slow growing, flesh-colored mass that began interfering with her speaking and eating. Radiologic studies showed no evidence of bone involvement. The lesion was diagnosed histopathologically as squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was advised to undertake palliative treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy, but she refused any intervention.