[Tesseract]

So I was finally able to get in to the dermatologist today to have this THING on my lip looked at... you remember, the thing that put me on a liquid diet a couple of weeks ago? I've been on and off of solid foods ever since, because it keeps swelling up and then going back down.<br><br><br><br>
Anyway, she says it's a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mucocele" target="_blank">mucocele</a> (I never heard of it, either) and that while it's not dangerous, the only way to get rid of it is surgery. Obviously, I can't just leave it there, because it's seriously interfering with my ability to eat.<br><br><br><br>
I did see one article where they mentioned alternative removal procedures such as laser and cryosurgery, but the basic method seems to be to just cut the sucker out with a scalpel, and sew up the wound with sutures, and it looks pretty unpleasant. I found an interesting blog entry complete with nasty pictures of the surgery... which I wish I hadn't looked at.<br><br><a href="http://www.kadavy.net/blog/archive/2005/01/lump_in_mouth_o.php" target="_blank">http://www.kadavy.net/blog/archive/2...in_mouth_o.php</a><br><br><br><br>
Has anyone ever had this or heard of it?

 

[Gita]

No. I hope they can get rid of it from the inside if you need to be simply cut with a scalple. I would opt for the lazer or other less-invasive way because if your face is marred, it could interfere with your hireability in some carreers. (at least that is a good line to use on the insurance companies). Definately look at all the options. Good luck.

 

[Tesseract]

Oh no, it's definitely an inside the mouth thing. It's not the sort of thing that would leave you witha facial scar, thank goodness.

 

[Amy SF]

Tess, have you discussed all the possible removal procedures with your dermatologist? Benefits, risks and complications, financial considerations, etc? If she says that most people have the surgical removal and they come through with flying colors and heal nicely without or with very few complications, then perhaps there's no reason not to consider surgery. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/thinking.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":think:">

 

[Tesseract]

No, not yet. I just talked to the dermatologist today, and she said surgical removal is the way to go, but they don't do that-- I need to see an oral surgeon or an ENT doctor. First we need to get my health insurance benefits reinstated, which hopefully will happen in a matter of days, and then I can go see someone who will actually do it and talk to them about the options.<br><br><br><br>
But I'm still kind of hoping it might go away by itself-- the word on the web seems to be that they sometimes do, and mine appears to be the shallowest kind.

 

[GhostUser]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">and may have recurrent swelling with occasional rupturing of its contents.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
boy, I am really happy I read VB while eating lunch. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/spew.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":spew:"><br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/laugh.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":lol:">

 

[Tesseract]

I bet you're even more glad you looked at those gross surgery pictures while you were eating. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/blank.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":|">

 

[GhostUser]

yep. luckily, I have a iron constitution. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br><br><br>
anyway, that sucks. I hope it heals.

 

[froggythefrog]

Tess... Sorry, you have a lump on your lip and that it's keeping you from eating. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> Thank God it's only a cyst, but it does suck that you have it and on your lip!