Fig. 243.—Advanced Epithelioma of Lower Lip.
Fig. 244.—Recurrent Epithelioma in Glands of Neck adherent to mandible.
The treatment consists in early and free removal of the affected portion of lip and of all the lymphatic connections in the submaxillary region and neck. Recurrence in the scar is rare; it is nearly always located in the glands.
The operation of cleaning out the glands below the mandible on both sides in men who are advanced in years is not free from risk to life, especially from respiratory complications which may or may not be traceable to the anæsthetic.
In inoperable cases benefit may follow the use of the X-rays, or of radium.
Epithelioma of the upper lip is less common. It occurs with equal frequency in the two sexes, progresses more slowly, and is, on the whole, less malignant. It sometimes appears to be due to contact infection from the lower lip. It is treated on the same lines as cancer of the lower lip.