Background: Lip cancer is the most frequent tumor of the oral-maxillary region. A high incidence of lip cancer has been reported among the Italian population over the past decade.
Materials and methods: This retrospective study analyzes epidemiological data and risk factors for lip cancer among patients who presented to our department between 2000-2010. Statistical analysis for this study was calculated employing Student T and χ-square tests.
Results: Of 540 cases, most were found among men (82%), and those aged over 45 years (84.8%). The dominant cancer type was squamous cell carcinoma of the external lower lip (predominantly in men). We recorded high rates of chronic solar exposure, and tobacco and alcohol drinking habits in patients with squamous cell carcinoma.
Conclusion: Individuals aged over 45 years are at higher risk for lip cancer. The high association of the examined risk factors with the rate of squamous cell carcinoma confirms their role in the development of this type of tumor.