what is this on my face??? (pic attached)

[Flumplet]

I have this thing in the middle of my top lip, it has been there for years and years, as long as I can remember actually. I know the pic isn't all that clear , so the only way I can describe it is like a mole with no dark pigment, or like a pore that sticks outwards rather than going inwards. The reason I'm concerned about it is that it goes through cycles of becoming inflamed and then calming down - I worry that it might eventually turn cancerous. It's definitely not a spot. I'm nervous to go to gp because I don't want to be a time waster but ideally I would like it removed. Has anyone had/got anything similar?

Yes I am very relieved, I should have gone sooner. and all round!

Ok, sorry to revive this thread but I've got a bit of an unexpected update. I hadn't heard anything back from the dermatologist re: results of pathology,
and yesterday another appointment letter with the dermatologist came through the door for 4 weeks time. She said at my last appointment that she had got it all out and that I wouldn't need any follow up, so this has come completely out of the blue and I'm now worried sick that either the pathology wasn't what she was expecting or that she hasn't got it all out - or both. Anyone had any similar experience?

And also, just to add, the thing seems to be 'growing back' - it could just be white scar tissue but there's a definite firm white lump there.

Bump

I just got a letter back about results that are less all right than I was expecting. It's a nasty feeling. I'll be watching for your update and hoping the consultant will be able to sort it thoroughly very soon. Well done for getting yourself there.

I had a BCC removed following a punch biopsy complete with skin graft. At the follow up appointment I was told they got it all but only with a 1mm diameter- they like to have 3mm. It's possibly been examined and they may need to take a bit more out? The worst bit is the injection. Not what you want to hear (sorry), but you don't want that on your face. In the meantime, factor 30 and keep it out of the sun. It really will be fine but I personally found it hard with people saying oh, it'll be fine and being quite dismissive of it all. Good luck and try not to worry.

Yes she took it out by punch biopsy at my last appointment and the injection was really sore. Perhaps she just needs to take a bit more out. I have a wedding that weekend too so I'm going to look just gorgeous for that with stitches again lol. Never mind.

The punch biopsy is a biopsy though and not a removal? I had the punch biopsy with stitches- which was small- and then the removal with a full thickness skin graft a few weeks later once they had the biopsy results (it was on my nose hence the graft). And it was through the plastic surgery cancer team rather than a dermatologist. Write down all the questions you have for when you visit. The injection is the worst pain ever isn't it.

She used a punch biopsy thing and said at the time she was very confident that she had gotten it all out. It was only quite a small lesion - maybe 5mm. No mention of further procedures or any follow up at all, which is why I'm a bit confused/concerned wanting to rip my top lip off and be done with it.

I reckon it's been sent to the lab to check the margin hence the recall. Really nothing to worry about but completely understand your worries. It's basically sun damage- am fanatical about wearing factor 50 and a cap in the sun now- better late than never. Let us know how you get on.

A few years ago had a 'mole' on my neck, went to docs about something else to be honest and he noticed it. Went within a week to hospital and had a punch biopsy. The aesthetic was the worst part as like a bee sting. The mole was removed, can still recall me going squeamish as I turned and looked just as the 'apple core ' of flesh was being removed. Thankfully though thereally was suspect tissue in the biopsy results enough clear cells had also been removed around it so I was given the reassuring all clear and the lucky as caught it very very early. Had a shock as the few cells that were nasty in the biopsy were how did the specialist put it 'aggressive' so early detection was the key. The reason I went incidentally is because of a skin tag on my neck. I still have it as a reminder of it being what caused the other to be removed so quickly. You will be good. The plastic surgeon who stitched me after though also saw the funny side when I asked if he did free face lifts

Oh Flumpet meant to say that you should take reassurance for the fact that the appointment is for four weeks. For anything particularly nasty recall is within the week. I always feel very sorry for those patients who are expecting a six week appointment and then get told they absolutely must come in in two days time (and get told to bring someone with them).

You can do an excisional biopsy which removes the whole thing (as best you can tell without the results) or an incisional biopsy which takes part of the lesion for diagnosis before treatment.

So a punch is used for example for small lesions (like a wart for example) that don't have any other signs or symptoms (like a lymph node enlargement). The whole thing is taken and then examined under a microscope.

She did the punch and took it all away I'm just waiting for her to call me back this afternoon. I spoke to secretary this morning and she said I should have had an app within July and was puzzled why I said August. Will update you later.

still waiting for call back from consultant. i've chased her up twice but havent heard back. I know everyone's busy but this is doing my anxiety no good at all.

This must be an anxious wait , horrible for you. Any luck since you posted ?

So she called me back this afternoon to say that it's not malignant however the cells were very abnormal and they want me back in to take further excision because the margin of the last excision wasn't satisfactory. She's put me on a theatre list so waiting for another appointment. Now I've spoken to her I'm confused why they want to take any more out if it's not malignant. I do feel reassured now she's said it wasn't malignant but it was a lot to take in so I didn't ask enough questions - which I guess is why they don't like to tell people these things over the phone

From my experience:

They take the minimum amount off the first time - they obviously want to avoid scarring etc

After the biopsy if there are any abnormalities found they go back and take a wider excision - belt and braces.

I don't know if you want to Google or not but sites like cancer UK/nhs etc have quite a lot of info about likely treatment paths.

Thank you very much, I will take a look

A friend had surgery on her upper lip, not quite as central as yours, less than a year ago. She's at least twice your age ( so your skin elasticity would be much better than hers ) and was very worried that her face was changed by the surgery. It's quite astonishing how her face has recovered in such a short time. She has some numb patches where nerves were damaged, but she's done lots and lots of facial exercises and she looks no different to before. Even the fine scarring has pretty much disappeared.
It's good to hear yours isn't thought to be malignant, and I hope your recovery will be very fast.

I had my second excision this week - belt and braces and another poster described it. They took away a strip including part of my lip nearly right up to my nose. I've got lots of very sore, very swollen stitches. The dressing was peeling off so I've taken most of it off and it's a little bit pusy underneath. I'm already on antibiotics as a precaution. Do you think I need to get it looked at? Stitches are meant to be coming out Tuesday anyway.

Here it is in all its glory... Not sure what is skin glue and what is stuff that shouldn't be there!

It may look messy now but it will heal fine I'm sure.👍

Do you think it looks infected?

Hard to tell from a photo, it doesn't look too red. If you're concerned, see the doc. I have no relevant qualifications