GP Quiz 17 – Case 1
What is this skin lesion?
Ulcerated invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the lip
What are the clinical features of this condition?
- Generally arises within a solar keratosis (actinic cheilitis) but may arise in a normal-appearing vermilion of the lip.
- Many affected patients are smokers.
- An irregular or firm nodule that ulcerates early.
- Cancers on the lip are very likely to metastasise.
What treatments are suitable?
Wide surgical excision by an expert is mandatory. Staging investigations for advanced tumours may include ultrasound scanning, lymph node biopsy, CT and/or MRI scan.
This quiz was also published by New Zealand Doctor in July 2005.