Total lower lip reconstruction by bilateral Fujimori technique—A case report

Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common type of lower lip cancer. In cases where the tumour involves less than on third of the lower lip, direct suture maintains the physical appearance of a normal mouth with few adverse effects. Squamous cell carcinomas involving more than half or even most of the lower lip are not common. We report a successful case of complete lower lip reconstruction after recurrent squamous cell carcinoma involving most of the lower lip by use of bilateral Fujimori technique. CASE: We present a case of full-thickness squamous cell cancer located to the vermillion border initially, but progressing rapidly in two months during radiotherapy to a state in which most of the lower lip, including the angles of the mouth, were affected. DISCUSSION: Surgical management ensuring a functional and aesthetic acceptable outcome is a challenge in patients with large tumours including all of the lower lip. Several methods for reconstruction of the entire lower lip are discussed. CONCLUSION: Bilateral Fujimori one-stage flaps can be used in cases of squamous cell carcinomas involving most of the lower lip, including the commissures of the mouth. A limitation of the method is an eventual lack of local tissue when preparing the flap.