The staircase technique for treatment of cancer of the lower lip: a report of 36 cases.

PURPOSE: This article reports the authors' experience with treatment of lower lip cancer using the staircase technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with stage T1 or T2 cancers of the lower lip were treated. RESULTS: No recurrences were observed during a 6- to 32-month follow-up. All patients showed excellent aesthetic results and no microstomia. CONCLUSIONS: The staircase technique can be used to close defects of up to two thirds of the lower lip. Two bilateral symmetric flaps are used for median defects; 2 bilateral asymmetric flaps are used for paramedian defects greater than 20 mm; and only 1 contralateral flap is required for paramedian defects up to 20 mm.