A retrospective study of lip carcinoma at a tertiary cancer center.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate treatment outcomes and identify survival predictors in patients with lip squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Specific focus was placed on tumor subsite, stage, and histopathological differentiation, with an emphasis on prognostic differences. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 294 lip SCC cases treated at a tertiary cancer center in India from 2012 to 2022. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Survival predictors were assessed using regression analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate subsite-specific outcomes. RESULTS: Lower lip SCC was the most prevalent (58.7%), followed by commissure (22.4%) and upper lip (14.3%). Advanced tumors (T4A) and commissure SCC were associated with significantly poorer outcomes (P = .02). Histopathologically, moderately differentiated SCC (45.9%) was predominant. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the best survival for upper lip SCC (mean: 31.02 months) and the worst for commissure SCC (mean: 23.46 months). Multimodal therapy improved outcomes, particularly for advanced cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the critical role of tumor subsite and stage in determining survival outcomes in lip SCC. Tailored treatment strategies, especially for high-risk subsites like the commissure, are essential to improve prognosis.