HomeAnswersDermatologylichen planusI have a new patch on my lip, which is flat and round. Is that cancer?

I got a new, flat, round or oval patch on my lip. What is that?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Shanza Ikram

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Nithila. A

Published At July 30, 2019
Reviewed AtJuly 30, 2019

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, no other symptoms other than the appearance of it and it is about 8 mm. It is light purple or brown in color. Please advice.

Answered by Dr. Shanza Ikram

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

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

1. Lichen planus - This could result due to many reasons or sun exposure. Treatment is sunprotection 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. Most common causes are NSAIDS or antibiotics like penicillin. But you have told that you do not take any medicines. Re-evaluate yourself if you have taken any few weeks ago. 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

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In my opinion, if the black patch changes from any pre-existing mole than 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 aware you that biopsy from lip is tough to take. So in our set up, we make a clinical diagnosis. And we ask the patient to protect themselves from direct sun exposure by wearing hats, etc.

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

Dr. Shanza Ikram
Dr. Shanza Ikram

Dermatology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Dermatology

*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.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy