Scheduled for a Vermilionectomy for premalignant lip tissue

Welcome, @mizlynnie. From what I have read, vermilionectomy is effective for treatment of actinic cheilitis (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lower lip. Wounds produced by cryosurgery and laser therapy heal within a period of 7–14 days, while it takes two to four months for those caused by vermilionectomy. After the healing process, many patients experience good cosmetic results." Read more here: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Actinic-Cheilitis-Prognosis-and-Mouth-Cancer.aspx

I added your question to the Head & Neck Cancer group as well in the hopes that other members may have personal experiences to share. Lynn, do you know is the premalignant tissue is a pre-cursor to squamous cell carcinoma? I'm glad this was found in the pre-cancerous stage.

What kind of doctor will
be preforming the biopsy ?

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

I am scheduled to have a biopsy of my lip on May 1st. Over the years, I have had many basal cell and squamous cells removed from other areas of my body. They think this also may be a squamous cell on my lower lip. From all that I have read about this online, it doesn’t sound good. I am hoping that they don’t have to remove a lot of my bottom lip if it comes back positive. It is very sore and looks like there are several of these small “cysts” but the main cyst is in the middle of my lip . If anyone has had something like this, I would so appreciate any information that you could give me! I’m very worried about it. Thank you in advance. MaryAnn from MA

Thank u for taking the time to respond to my questions.
Did the biopsy cause any nerve damage and/or a lip
that droops on one side?
Approximately how big and how deep was
the area that was biopsies?
If u have time please let me know.

@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?

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

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

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!