Webinar #35 | “Farmer with Rapidly Growing Lip Tumor”
The University of the Philippines
in partnership with
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
and UP Manila NIH National Telehealth Center
in cooperation with
UP Manila College of Medicine and UP Philippine General Hospital
would like to invite you to join the Fight Against COVID-19!
The Webinar Series “STOP COVID DEATHS: VIRTUAL GRAND ROUNDS”
– the very first Online Medical Grand Rounds in the Philippines- is scheduled EVERY FRIDAY from 12nn to 2pm.
Webinar #35: “Farmer with Rapidly Growing Lip Tumor”
Dr. Mike Gianan
Doctor to the Barrio, Zamboanga Del Norte
December 18, 2020 (Friday) 12nn
Discussant:
Dr. Christine Joy Arquiza
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology
UP- Philippine General Hospital
Reactor:
Dr. Nodel Nodora
Technical Officer, WHO-WPRO
Opening Remarks:
Dr. Anthony Cordero
Director, Community Health Development Program
University of the Philippines Manila
Closing Remarks:
Dr. Carmencita Padilla
Chancellor, University of the Philippines Manila
Case Capsule: An 81-year old female farmer from Mindanao notices a patchy discoloration on her face that quickly progresses into a tumor around her lips. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in movement, she is unable to consult a doctor. The tumor grows rapidly to expose her teeth, gums, and inner cheeks. She is seen by a physician in the Doctors to the Barrios program.
Oral cancer in the Philippines ranks 8th among all types of cancer. Lip cancer is a specific type of oral cancer that develops from abnormal cells that grow out of control and form lesions or tumors on the lips. It develops in thin, flat cells that line the lips, mouth, tongue, cheeks, sinuses, throat, hard and soft palates.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type of lip and oral cavity cancers. It comprises nearly 30% of all oral cavity cancers. Lip cancer is notorious as a rapidly growing type of tumor of the head and neck if it is not diagnosed and treated early.
Certain lifestyle choices can increase the risk of developing lip cancer. These include: tobacco use, heavy alcohol intake, excessive sun exposure, tanning.
In this case study, the risk is occupational in nature as an 81-year old farmer who is constantly exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time is unable to seek treatment because of the lockdown of COVID-19. From a small patchy discoloration of the skin, the tumor progresses rapidly within a few weeks, until it is too late.
