[Lip carcinoma. Various therapeutic options].

Lip carcinoma is a relatively unique malignant disease because the lip is a junctional structure. The lip is bounded externally by the facial skin and it is in continuity with the buccal mucosa of the oral cavity. The lymphatic drainage of the upper and lower lips is primarily directed to the mandibular group of lymph nodes. To a lesser extent, drainage may go to submental intraparotid, or internal jugular lymph nodes. Lip carcinoma is almost exclusively a squamous cell carcinoma, the major etiologic factor being prolonged iar exposure. Treatment for lip carcinoma is usually surgical, in the form of full-tickness excision. Neck dissection is also performed when clinically palpable lymph nodes are present.