ENT Liu Knowledge Base Head & neck tumours · physician reviewed
Lip Cancer · Prevention & risk

Are transplant recipients at higher risk of lip cancer?

Reviewed: 8 November 2026 By: Xiangpeng Liu, MD Topic: Lip Cancer Answer length: short, citable
Quick answer

Yes. Long-term immunosuppression substantially increases the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, including lip cancer — some series report a roughly twentyfold increase compared with the general population, with risk rising with the dose and duration of agents such as azathioprine.

In detail

Transplant recipients should use rigorous lip and facial sun protection, have regular dermatology surveillance, and report any non-healing lip lesion early. Discuss any change to immunosuppression with the transplant team, never unilaterally.

What this means in practice: this answer is part of the “Prevention & risk” section of the Lip Cancer topic. If you are comparing treatment options, also read how to compare a second opinion and which records to send.

Other common questions about lip cancer

See all 14 questions in this topic →

Sources for this answer

  1. Ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer (fact sheet) World Health Organization · 2024
  2. IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans (tobacco, areca nut, UV radiation, EBV, HPV) International Agency for Research on Cancer / WHO · 2024

Written and medically reviewed by Xiangpeng Liu, MD

Associate Chief Physician, ENT & Head/Neck Surgery · Chenzhou First People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China

Editorial policy & reviewer credentials · All sources

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Medical disclaimer: This knowledge base is general information for people researching head and neck tumours, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. It does not replace an examination by a qualified physician. Survival figures are population averages, not predictions for an individual. Treatment and cost estimates for China are illustrative only and must be confirmed in writing after your records have been reviewed. If you have a symptom lasting more than two to three weeks, see a doctor promptly.