lip biopsy

[Dolly Dimples]

 
Since I have never had  either of these procedures to test for SS,

  the following tests have puzzled me for some time, so have decided to ask you wise peeps .

What is the    difference between a lip biopsy and bloodtests that diagnose SS?

What exactly do they look for in the lip that can tell the differencef rom a bloodtest?
                                                                                Dolly.x

 

[Linda196]

The blood tests show autoantibodies that the immune system produces to combat what it sees as an invading cell (our own glandular tissue).

The lip biopsy shows a particular pattern of clumped white blood cells (lymphocytes) within the minor salivary glands.

For some people, changes in the immune system make formation of antibodies slow or impossible, or they are removed very quickly, so the blood tests never show up as positive.

[dbab]

My rheumy says that she doesn't recommend a lip biopsy if you have the Sjogren's antibodies if you already have the dry eye and dry mouth symptoms confirmed through less invasive tests.  She only recommends the lip biopsy if the antibodies aren't showing up in your blood.

[Marmotte]

I had the lip biopsy as part of the Sjogrens study at UCSF. The procedure itself wasn't that bad. Afterwards, the area below my lip was sore and swollen for a long time and after 2 months is still not quite right. The biopsy confirmed Sjogrens. I think. I didn't really understand the terminology. Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis. I'll have to make an appt with my rheumatologist

[Kewanee]

Yep that is the way those reports read alright. Something about aggragates of white cells.

When I'm inflamed I can still get my lower lip bothering me. Right where they took the biopsy on the inside lip must go to the lower lip because I get scaled over on a spot right there on the lower lip each time I get dry. They took extra of the lymph gland for future study I think.  There should be better ways to confirm SJS I would think. I'm glad not so many Doctors are jumping to this procedure.

[Dolly Dimples]

 Hi all those who shared their wisdom with me re a lip biopsy & blood test. Been off line a couple of days... hence my late reply.

     I see it all much clearer now, but hope that I never have to have a lip biopsy!
     
     Thanks all, Dolly.x