A rough spot inside my upper lip

[+ PhileasFogg]

For my entire life, I’ve had HSV1 outbreaks.  I keep acyclovir handy and keep it under control and have never passed it on to my family or significant others

A few months ago, I felt a tingle and a rough spot inside my upper lip.  I started popping acyclovir and it never developed and it also never went away.

today, I presented it to the dentist who, while unconcerned, took some pictures to send to some oral surgeon buddies

Here’s the issue, a former girl friend had a Pap smear a couple years ago and it presented with HPV Genotype 18 - a potentially cancerous type.  A follow up a few months later revealed it had resolved.   When informed, my MD was unconcerned as long as I had no symptoms of anything  

but for me, I’m looking for signs of concern for early intervention.   Has anyone had a rough spot on the lips/gums like this?   Would you force a biopsy?   

 

[Guest]

Your body your peace of mind over your potential lifespan/longevity.

I don't think you have *much* to be concerned about, but I do think you're in you're right to be concerned. If insurance pays for it, take advantage of it and get the peace of mind.

[BuffaloKyle]

You said your doctor and dentist both were not worried at all so I really wouldn't either. I would go see a dermatologist though if you wanted to for a third opinion to really put your mind at ease.

[marylander1940]

2 hours ago, PhileasFogg said:

For my entire life, I’ve had HSV1 outbreaks.  I keep acyclovir handy and keep it under control and have never passed it on to my family or significant others

A few months ago, I felt a tingle and a rough spot inside my upper lip.  I started popping acyclovir and it never developed and it also never went away.

today, I presented it to the dentist who, while unconcerned, took some pictures to send to some oral surgeon buddies

Here’s the issue, a former girl friend had a Pap smear a couple years ago and it presented with HPV Genotype 18 - a potentially cancerous type.  A follow up a few months later revealed it had resolved.   When informed, my MD was unconcerned as long as I had no symptoms of anything  

but for me, I’m looking for signs of concern for early intervention.   Has anyone had a rough spot on the lips/gums like this?   Would you force a biopsy?   

 

Did you ask your doctor about having a biopsy? He must be unconcerned for the reason but you always have the right to ask for a second opinion.

[+ PhileasFogg]

4 minutes ago, marylander1940 said:

Did you ask your doctor about having a biopsy? He must be unconcerned for the reason but you always have the right to ask for a second opinion.

What he said was that oral cancer prevents in very nasty looking ways.   I asked him whether that meant it started nasty or evolved nasty.   He didn’t have an answer. 

[+ nycman]

7 hours ago, PhileasFogg said:

Would you force a biopsy?   

Trying to "force" a doctor to do anything is generally a bad idea. 

It sounds like your dentist and your doctor are both unconcerned. Join the club. 

[+ PhileasFogg]

45 minutes ago, nycman said:

Trying to "force" a doctor to do anything is generally a bad idea. 

It sounds like your dentist and your doctor are both unconcerned. Join the club. 

It’s been my experience that being a well informed and inquisitive healthcare consumer invites more attention and better care.  Our system dissuades diagnosis of preemergent issues and only prioritizes matters as they present in more acute phases   

I don’t force anyone to do anything.  But I also will not allow myself to remain unheard

if a physician doesn’t know what it is, they also don’t know what it’s not. 

Edited November 1, 2024 by PhileasFogg

[marylander1940]

11 hours ago, PhileasFogg said:

What he said was that oral cancer prevents in very nasty looking ways.   I asked him whether that meant it started nasty or evolved nasty.   He didn’t have an answer. 

I would get a second opinión by specialist

[+ sniper]

How old are you may I ask? They upped the guidelines on the HPV vaccine so you can get it covered by insurance up to age 45. I was 46 when that happened and decided to just pay out of pocket for it. 

[+ PhileasFogg]

1 hour ago, sniper said:

How old are you may I ask? They upped the guidelines on the HPV vaccine so you can get it covered by insurance up to age 45. I was 46 when that happened and decided to just pay out of pocket for it. 

Low 60’s

[Vin Marco]

On 11/1/2024 at 2:30 AM, nycman said:

Trying to "force" a doctor to do anything is generally a bad idea. 

It sounds like your dentist and your doctor are both unconcerned. Join the club. 

You're pretty awesome 🤩 

[+ PhileasFogg]

Update:   Oral surgeon reviewed photos and wants a biopsy 

[Luv2play]

On 11/4/2024 at 2:00 PM, PhileasFogg said:

Update:   Oral surgeon reviewed photos and wants a biopsy 

I think you were wise to pursue this. The fact it didn’t go away after several months is unusual to my mind.