SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE LIP: A CASE SERIES OF DISTINCT CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS

Abstract

Typical squamous cell carcinoma of the lip generally presents as a small (<1 cm), painless, indurated ulcer that is crusted, exudative, slow-growing, and histologically well-differentiated. It most commonly occurs in fair-skinned male patients in their sixth or seventh decade of life, with primary etiological factors including UV exposure, followed by tobacco and alcohol use. This study aims to report four clinical cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip that exhibited presentations distinct from the classical features typically attributed to these lesions. In the first case, the carcinoma manifested as a poorly differentiated ulcer with extensive tissue destruction. The second case involved a large nodular lesion. The third case, located on the upper lip, was histologically identified as a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma. The fourth case appeared as an ulcerated nodule and an ulcer extending to the skin. While squamous cell carcinoma of the lip is relatively common and typically exhibits non-aggressive behavior, certain cases may present with features distinct from its classical in both clinical appearance and behavior.