Lesions, lumps and lichenoids: putting ‘lip service’ into practice

Diagnosis and management of lip lesions presents challenges in clinical practice owing to their variable aetiology and differing prognoses. In this paper, Peter Thomson outlines a clinically based approach to assessment, diagnosis and management of disorders of the lips. By putting more than just ‘lip service’ into practice, it is hoped that this will deliver timely and effective care for patients. This is of especial importance for those disorders in which potentially malignant or frankly malignant change may occur, and in which early recognition and urgent referral for specialist care may prove lifesaving.