UK Woman Misdiagnoses Cold Sore as Skin Cancer After Painful Treatment
A 64-year-old woman from the UK, identified as Pauline, initially thought she had a cold sore when she noticed a dry spot on her bottom lip. However, after months of painful treatment, it was revealed that the blistered growth on her lip was actually skin cancer. Pauline was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer in the UK, according to Dr Penelope Pratsou, a consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation.
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Pauline first noticed the dry spot at the end of August 2020 when she took a photograph of herself to send to her son after getting her teeth whitened. She initially dismissed it as a cold sore but upon reviewing the pictures, she realized it was the beginning of a disease that was already growing on the inside.
In September 2020, Pauline sought medical attention as the sore did not heal with prescribed creams. A dermatologist attempted to burn it off, but the treatment proved ineffective and her lip started turning black. After a biopsy in November 2020, Pauline received the devastating news that she had cancer. The biopsy also revealed that the cancer had spread to her chin, requiring immediate surgical removal.
Dr Carlos Laredo, a surgeon, suggested using Pauline’s tongue to reconstruct her lip as the tumor was deeper than initially thought. The biopsy also discovered a strange material at the bottom of the tumor, which doctors linked to lip filler. While living in England, Pauline had received lip filler injections four times, but only in her top lip. In Spain, she opted for a “no-needle” lip-plumping method, recommended by a friend, which turned out to be painful.
After the growth was removed, Pauline underwent a lengthy healing process. Dr Laredo used various methods to re-plump her lower lip, using her breast tissue instead of artificial fillers. The full healing process took between 12 and 14 months.
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Pauline admitted that wearing masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic helped conceal her lip during the healing process, but when masks were no longer required, she felt anxious and self-conscious. However, with the help of Medical Tattooist Karen Betts, known as a medical tattooer and permanent makeup artist, Pauline regained her confidence.
Skin cancer can often be mistaken for less serious conditions, and Pauline’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking medical advice for any unusual skin changes or growths. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for patients.
