Patient Story: Lower Lip Basal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Mohs Surgery

An 82-year-old male patient came to Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center with a persistent lesion on his lower lip. A biopsy confirmed basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common but locally invasive form of skin cancer. Given the lesion’s location on the lip—a key area for function and appearance—Dr. Lance Henry, Fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon, recommended Mohs micrographic surgery for the most effective and tissue-preserving treatment.

Mohs surgery is the treatment of choice for skin cancers on the lips because it allows for complete removal of cancer cells with minimal impact to surrounding tissue. It is performed by removing thin layers of tissue one at a time and examining each under a microscope until clear margins are achieved. This precision is especially important in areas like the lips, where maintaining structure and mobility is vital.

In this case, Dr. Henry was able to fully remove the cancer in a single surgical stage. He then reconstructed the area with expert technique to ensure functional integrity and a natural-looking lip line. The “after” photo, taken just one month following surgery, shows excellent healing—smooth skin, restored shape, and very little visible scarring.

This case demonstrates the effectiveness of Mohs surgery in treating high-risk facial areas. For older adults, achieving both oncologic control and cosmetic recovery is key to maintaining quality of life. Thanks to early treatment and expert surgical care, this patient can speak, eat, and smile with full confidence—and without the burden of untreated skin cancer.

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