Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Lip cancer develops in the vermilion border of the lip. The great majority of these malignancies are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The primary treatment of these lesions is surgical resection. The management of the resulting defect remains a significant reconstructive challenge.
OBJECTIVE:
To provide information about the experience of surgical treatment of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip admitted to the plastic surgery unit, Mosul teaching hospital, between Mar. 1998 - Feb. 2008.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Case-series study. Plastic surgery unit, Mosul teaching hospital, during the period from Mar. 1998 - Feb. 2008. Sixty six patients were included; they were 51 men and 15 women. The age ranged between 15-90 years.
RESULTS:
Of 66 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lip, there were 51 men (77.3%) and 15 women (22.7%) , ranging in age from 15 to 90 years (mean 60.7 years) with the peak incidence at 60-70 years. Ulcer was the main presenting complaint. Lower lip was the commonest site in 61 patients (92.4%). Cervical lymph node metastases were found in 13 patients (19.7%) at the time of first presentation. Reconstruction of lip after excision was done by primary suture in 31 patients, by Estlander flap in 9 patients and by McGregor flap in 10 patients.
CONCLUSION:
Early diagnosis is essential and contributes to successful reconstructive surgery. Lip reconstruction in the form of primary repair, Estlander flap and McGregor flap were performed depending on the size and site of tumor.