The staircase technique for treatment of cancer of the lower lip: a report of 36 cases.

PURPOSE

This article reports the authors' experience with treatment of lower lip cancer using the staircase technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-six patients with stage T1 or T2 cancers of the lower lip were treated.

RESULTS

No recurrences were observed during a 6- to 32-month follow-up. All patients showed excellent aesthetic results and no microstomia.

CONCLUSIONS

The staircase technique can be used to close defects of up to two thirds of the lower lip. Two bilateral symmetric flaps are used for median defects; 2 bilateral asymmetric flaps are used for paramedian defects greater than 20 mm; and only 1 contralateral flap is required for paramedian defects up to 20 mm.