Leukoplakia found in lip biopsy

[jordyaaron]

I am a 27 year old military male living in North Dakota due to military orders. I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or do drugs. In June 2010 I noticed white spots on my upper lip. The next day my lips were extremely dry and had a scaly crust-like exterior which looks extremely terrible. I thought they were just chapped. I started using regular vaseline and other types of lip balms you find at retail stores. I used so many different things from vitamins, lip balms, oils...you name it. I saw a doctor in October who prescribed me with Triamcinolone 0.1% to use for two weeks. After that didn't work I was given Nystatin & Triamcinolone for two weeks and that also didn't work. It took forever to get a dermatology appointment, finally I got one in January 2011. The dermatologist started me off with Fluticasone (Cutivate) 0.005% to use two weeks on with one week off for six weeks. It felt good when applied for the first 30 min. to 1 hour but they would just dry and crust if I didn't use retail lip balms like vaseline or aquaphor after applying it. I went to my second appointment and had a lip biopsy. I called a few days later and was told something about scar tissue and that it tested positive for Leukoplakia. Today she put me on Clobetasol 0.05% to use for eight weeks with the same regimen as the previous Fluticasone. She said if this doesn't work they will probably use liquid nitrogen on my lips to try and fix them because it may turn into cancer. Now I don't know what this entails but I'm sure it's not pleasant because she said they would do it in quarter increment sessions. My lips are still in a scaly crust-like state and have been this way since June. I’ve been to the dentist and do not have any problems inside my mouth, just the lips. My lips really are disgusting to look at. After all this my questions are why am I being given a steroid cream when we should try to treat the Leukoplakia? Are there any other alternatives than having the liquid nitrogen surgery? Has anybody dealt with this before? Thank you.

[cndi54]

I am writing this because I think I have the same problem as you.  Last June of 2010 I had a partial put in.  Probably a week or two later my bottom lip got this white film (thats how I describe it) on it.  It is small maybe only a 1/4 in wide.  I kind of ignored it thinking it was irratation from my new partial.  Well it didn't go away.  It never changed in size but it drove me crazy.  3 weeks ago I went to a dermatoligist  and he agreed that it might me luplakia.  Tomorrow I am going to get a lip biopsy.  I am scared to death.  But all the research I have been doing says that lukoplakia can be caused by new dental appliances, sun exposure, and smoking.... Im really curious about how your situation turnes out, and if you are interested I will let you know how my treatment goes.  CM

[jordyaaron]

Thank you for your response. You have been very helpful.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If the lip biopsy is indicating leukoplakia then chances are more that it is leukoplakia. Moreover your symptoms are confirming this possibility. Leukoplakia may occur in response to chronic irritation from dentures or from tobacco use or pipe smoking, or it may represent dysplasia.
Apart from liquid nitrogen, other treatment options include C02 laser and surgical excision. It has to be removed because it can turn malignant.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[jordyaaron]

here's a pic of my lips when I don't use any kind of cream after only one day.

http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/show/196708