Squamous-cell carcinoma of the upper lip - analysis of 123 cases

Squamous cell carcinoma of the upper lip is rare and poorly described in the literature. We analysed retrospectively 123 cases occurring from 1929 to 1987. Greatest incidence was in the seventh decade and the M/F ratio was 2:1. Treatment was radiotherapy (36) or surgery (87). In early disease stages radiotherapy and surgery were equally effective, but in advanced disease surgery provided better results. Involved nodes indicate mandatory laterocervical submandibular lymph node dissection (bilateral for central lesions) but prophylactic dissection is inappropriate. The high frequency of relapse, tendency to plurifocality (as with all cercicofacial tumors) and risk of lymph node involvement underline the importance of regular and careful follow-up.