Patient Story: Basal Cell Carcinoma Above the Lip and Near the Nostril Treated with Mohs Surgery

A 57-year-old female patient was diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) located above her upper lip, extending toward the nostril—a highly sensitive area where both function and appearance are at risk. Due to the proximity to the lip margin and nasal structure, Dr. Lance Henry, double board-certified dermatologist and micrographic surgeon, and the most experienced Fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon in the region, recommended Mohs micrographic surgery to ensure precise, tissue-sparing removal with expert reconstruction.

Mohs surgery is uniquely suited for treating skin cancers that straddle multiple cosmetic subunits—like the upper lip and nostril. Its layer-by-layer technique allows for complete cancer removal with the greatest possible preservation of healthy tissue, which is critical for maintaining facial symmetry, muscle movement, and nasal airflow.

After the tumor was cleared, Dr. Henry reconstructed the area with meticulous attention to preserving the philtrum (the area between the nose and lip), lip contour, and nasal base. At six weeks post-surgery, the “after” photo shows smooth skin, natural curves, and minimal visible scarring—a result that protects both cosmetic and functional outcomes.

This case illustrates the power of Mohs surgery in complex anatomical areas. With early intervention and expert care, the patient was able to fully recover without compromise to speech, expression, or appearance—and is now cancer-free with a beautifully restored result.

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