Lower lip carcinoma. Infiltration of the mandible along the mental nerve

In general, carcinoma of the lower lip has a good prognosis after radical surgery. In rare cases, however, recurrences may be seen because of spread of the tumour along the mental nerve into the mandible. The earliest symptom of this is pain in the mandible and radiological evidence of widening of the mental foramen. Large resections and reconstructive procedures will be necessary. Three cases are presented.