Which of the following is the most common site of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip?
- A Upper lip at the vermilion border
- B Lower lip at the vermilion border ✓
- C Oral commissure
- D Labiomental fold
Correct answer: B. Lower lip at the vermilion border
Explanation
More than 90 percent of lip carcinomas arise on the lower lip, classically at the vermilion border, on a background of actinic cheilitis produced by chronic ultraviolet exposure. Upper lip lesions are far less common and are disproportionately basal cell cancers rather than squamous cancers. Commissural involvement worsens prognosis because of richer lymphatic drainage and later presentation, but it is not the commonest site of origin.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.