Scheduled for a Vermilionectomy for premalignant lip tissue

Hi there,
Sorry that you're having lip problems. It's disconcerting and worrying when you don't know the cause.
My dermatologist said I had severe actinic cheilitis. (I would hope yours could recognize that condition).
I don't know what type of laser the dermatologist used on me. It wasn't too bad and only a 45 minute procedure. Healing took about three weeks.
Prior to that, the biopsy was performed by an oral surgeon under local anesthesia. Using a scalpel, he cut out a chunk of flesh. He put in a few stitches which were painless. It also took about three weeks to heal. The biopsy scar is jagged but hardly noticeable.
Unfortunately for me, at the site of the lip lesion, the skin inside the mouth is now ulcerated. Oh well. This will be my new challenge.
Sending best wishes your way for some good treatment options and a healthy outcome.
Best Wishes

Did the biosy leave a scar
and how long to heal?
Was the biopsy done with a needle or a scalpel.
If it was a scalpel how much did they cut off?
I am dealing with small sores on my lip that don't seem to heal.
Anything u can tell me would be appreciated.
Thanks

Why did u choose FLUROURACIL over laser
or light or other treatments?
I am dealing with small breaks in my lip skin that
get enter with Vaseline but
Come back if I stop Vaseline. Something is wrong.
Anything u can tell me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Was the laser that was used a CO2 laser? If not do u know what it was?
I went to dermatologist
for tiny breaks In the skin
On my lip. He doesn't
Know if it is actinic chellitis
OR NOT and suggested doing nothing. I am worried because it is obvious something is wrong and not improving.
When u had your biopsy how was that done and how long was it supposed to take to heal?
Anything u can tell me would be tremendously
Appreciated.
Thank u

Hi there!

I had a non-healing lower lip lesion for months. The dentist sent me to the oral surgeon who did a biopsy. They were both surprised when it wasn't SCC.
Next, I went to the dermatologist who performed laser surgery (2/24) for pre-malignant actinic cheilitis on the lower lip (looked like raw meat, but healed nicely). Also, went to the ENT as I had a bulge under the tongue. The ENT said its nothing.
I'd like to say all is well, however, my lower lip at the site of the biopsy is now ulcerating on the inside of the mouth. I'm in no pain and after having spent 6 months running from one doc to another, I'm just going to wait and decide what to do next. The good news is: I can now wear lipstick. 🙂
Good luck to you whatever treatment you and your doc decide on. Good that you are on top of it.
Best Wishes,
Lynne

I have not had a lower lip biopsy but I did do the 2 week Flurouracil treatment.
It was not pleasant, but is a good treatment.
My lip is still healing and my doctor said that I will probably have to repeat it some time later this year. I'm always keeping an eye out on my lower lip for anything that looks like squamous cell. I have 4-month follow-ups. Also, I just had 2 biopsies (arm/leg) that came back pre-melanoma, so I am going to have to have those very small moles removed with stitches. Keep getting skin checks and following the treatment protocol, as well as looking for any changes on your lip. Please let us know what your recommended treatment is after the biopsy.

@di341, apologies for the late reply. I'm tagging @marshaj and @mizlynnie join me in welcoming you.

Di, what treatment, if any, is being recommended for you at this point?

Marsha and Lynn, any updates?

So glad to find this thread. I've been dealing with my lower lip, as well. I am currently using Flurouracil cream. Biopsy showed my whole lower lip is precancerous. I have had one melanoma but no SCC on my skin. Please keep updating for those of us following behind!

Hi Lynne,
Thanks again. The high protein Boost is an excellent idea along with the broths. I was able to sip through a straw after this 2-week chemotherapeutic treatment, even though the inflammation/reaction covered all of the lower lip. Crushing pills is a good idea, too.
I had to wear a face mask 😷 & no one batted an eye.
(my lip had blisters & was all swollen up, so I didn’t want to scare young children & our neighbors either!)
Cheers,
Marsha

Hi Marsha –
To answer your question: the doc is a dermatologist, and good question about the post-procedure meds. I bought Boost, bone broths, fruit juices, etc. to sip through a straw. Might have to crush the pills and mix with liquid. Oh, and face masks. Might need a few of them. Don't want to scare the neighbors! :-))
Cheers,
Lynne