[Surgical treatment of benign and malignant lip tumors]

Benign tumors of the lips are resected aiming the least visible scarring. In cases of malignant tumors spreading on the surface of the lower lip we succeeded reconstructing it after complete excision of vermillion using tongue flaps. This was performed in two stages. The Meyer technique is to be preferred from functional as well as from esthetic point of view in cases where the tumor has required medium or subtotal excision of the lower lip. In tumors of the upper lip it may be used the other way round. Larger lip defects have to be managed by major regional flaps. Some examples are demonstrated.