HomeAnswersDermatologylichen planus

Can a flat and round patch on the lip indicate cancer?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 40-year-old female, not taking any medications. I have a flat, round-to-oval new lip patch. I noticed this about two to three months ago; there are no other symptoms other than the appearance of it, and it is about 8 mm. It is light purple or brown in color. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Shanza Ikram

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your case. In my opinion, there are two to three differential diagnoses of your lesion.

1. Lichen planus - This could result due to many reasons or sun exposure. Treatment is sun protection by frequent application of any sunblock. Try to apply sunblock at least 20 minutes before going outside. And use it two to three times a day.

2. Fixed drug eruption (FDE) - Many drugs can cause it. The most common causes are NSAIDS or antibiotics like penicillin. But you have said that you do not take any medicines. Re-evaluate yourself if you have taken any in the last few weeks. Treatment is never to retake it and apply Hydrocortisone cream two times a day.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

The doctor in my place does not know what condition it is. So he referred me to see a dermatologist as he suspects cancer. Is it worrisome?

Answered by Dr. Shanza Ikram

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In my opinion, if the black patch changes from any pre-existing mole, then it could raise high suspicion of being cancerous or malignant. But according to your history, this is a new spot, and it did not have any preexisting mole. In that case, two diagnoses are lichen planus and FDE.

Both are nonmalignant conditions. But the diagnosis can only be confirmed by biopsy. But let me make you aware that a biopsy from the lip is tough to take. So in our setup, we make a clinical diagnosis. And we ask the patient to protect themselves from direct sun exposure by wearing hats, etc.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nithila. A
Published At July 30, 2019
Reviewed At January 14, 2026

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Nithila A is a Dental Surgeon specializing in providing comprehensive oral healthcare. She focuses on preventive care, routine dental treatments, and patient education to maintain optimal oral health. Known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach, she ensures comfortable and effective dental care tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shanza Ikram is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She is skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, offering advanced treatments for conditions like acne, eczema, pigmentation, and aging concerns. With her patient-focused approach, Dr. Ikram provides personalized care to promote healthy and radiant skin.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.