Lip biopsy

[Mandypandy1969]

Has anyone had a lip biopsy to do with saliva glands etc? I was diagnosed for certain with fibromialgia but Rheumy also thinks I may have an autoimmune problem too due to my dry mouth.

[spzgirl51]

Hello Mandypandy1969 ,

Yes I had a lip biopsy to see if I had sjogrens syndrome. It was relatively quick and painless and I had a slightly bruised and tender lip for a few days. But is was OK I think they found what they were looking for relatively quickly. I think I was lucky. I find if you try and relax and stay calm these procedures are usually over very quickly.

I hope yours goes well too.

Best wishes xx

[Mandypandy1969 in reply to spzgirl51]

what did they find? was it sjogrens? I just can't get rid of my dry mouth, no matter how much I drink. xx

[spzgirl51 in reply to Mandypandy1969]

Hello Mandypandy1969 ,

I think they removed several salivary glands from each side of your lip. In my case I tested positive for sjogrens from the biopsy. But I don't have any blood markers for it. As far as I know having a positive lip biopsy result and signs of dry eyes and mouth is one route to the diagnosis of sjogrens.

In my case I have rheumatoid arthritis too. I use salivex mouth pastilles. But I find they only relieve my dry feeling in my mouth for a few minutes. I get them on prescription.. I use a dry mouth spray from boots the chemist which I keep in my hand bag. If you have dry eyes too? I recommend hyloforte preservative free eye drops. Also single use preservative free visco tears gel. These were recommended to me by an ophthalmologist.

I find swilling water around my mouth really eases dryness. It is easy and quick to get hold water. I try to avoid caffeine drinks as they seem to instantly dry out my mouth. I try to eat food that includes something moist? Mashed potato and gravy rather than chips or adding cucumber and tomatoes to a sandwich to make it easier to eat.

I hope you find something that helps you too?

Best wishes xx

[phlebo123]

Hello, my husband had a lip biopsy to look for Sjogren syndrome, it was very quick and felt a bit sore afterwards. He has been prescribed Xerotin spray, which is an artificial saliva spray, (although the biopsy was negative for Sjogren syndrome). Maybe you can ask your doctor for some of this spray to help moisten your mouth. Hope your biopsy goes well, xxx

[Mandypandy1969]

Thank you both for your help. xx