Surgical options for treatment of lip and perioral tumors: report of 5 cases

Abstract

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the main neoplasms of lip and perioral location. We describe different techniques of successful surgical reconstruction, including flaps or simple incision and suture. Using the latter technique satisfactory results were demonstrated, although the incision made removed more than a third of the lip, contrary to the literature. Our goal is to emphasize that the common sense and experience of the surgeon should prevail in the choice of reconstructive method. Moreover, even if the priority is complete excision of the lesion, we cannot ignore the aesthetic and functional recovery objective.

The labio-mandibular flap for upper lip and peri-commissural defects

“…These include those based on the classical principles of local flaps e.g. the double rhomboid flaps [3] and variants of the Webster-Barnard flap [4] . The former option is designed for commissural defects while choice of the latter would still subject the patient to difficult mouth opening.…”

СanÓ?t you see? ItÓ?s a CupidÓ?s bow basal cell carcinoma!

“…From a practical point of view, a mandatory step in determining the surgical or therapeutic plan should be performing a skin/mucosal biopsy, which is needed for the various future therapeutic options, possible radiation therapy, local application of imiquimod, determination of recommended or ˝reduced˝ resection margins fields (performed for a better cosmetic result), prepared for adaptation to the compromised motility of the lips in the postoperative period, the necessity of disease staging, the patient follow-up during certain periods, etc. 5 . Informed consent is mandatory and should be discussed carefully and in detail.…”