Fluorouracil cream vs freezing it off

By bins

1 min read

Recently my dr said that I have to either get the precancer above my lip frozen off or use the cream. I am very nervous and worried about using the cream. About 3 years ago I had another spot above my upper lip frozen off and now there is a slight white discoloration but friends say they can't even tell.
Helpful suggestions welcome.

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NinaHU Community Admin
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2088180" username="bins"/> , this is a tough one because it may come down to personal preference. I know <inline-mention user-id="2086092" username="April Pulliam"/> has talked about the white spots near her lips: <a href='https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/little-white-spots-cryosurgery-reflections' target='_blank'>https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/little-white-spots-cryosurgery-reflections/</a>. She's had a mix of Efudex and cryosurgery. Another advocate, Judy, talks about choosing not to do Efudex: <a href='https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/no-thank-you-efudex' target='_blank'>https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/no-thank-you-efudex/</a>. You might also try posting in our forum on Efudex: <a href='https://skincancer.net/topic/efudex-fluorouracil' target='_blank'>https://skincancer.net/topic/efudex-fluorouracil/</a>. Wishing you well in this decision, and if you'd like, let us know what you chose and why! - Nina, <a href='https://skincancer.net' target='_blank'>SkinCancer.net</a> Team
April Pulliam Member
@bins...I'm sorry you're having to make this decision. I'm glad your doctor is letting you decide between the two. Both have their positives and negatives. <inline-mention user-id="2098495" username="NinaHU"/> is right. I have had both cryosurgery and topical chemotherapy. I use Efudex when I have to treat topically. I will say those little white spots are permanent, and I can definitely tell where my white scars are on my lip from the freezing I've had done. Had I been offered the choice like you, I think I would have opted for Efudex back in the day. My dermatologist at the time gave me no choice. Efudex is a rough treatment, but when it's done in spot treatments, it's not as harsh. I've treated my lips before, and they healed nicely with no scarring. Keep us posted on your decision and your results! Wishing you all the best! April, <a href='https://skincancer.net' target='_blank'>Skincancer.net</a>, Moderator
blackhorse Member
Being a guy, and an old one at that, appearances are not an issue with me. Having said that, I always opt for freezing if the spot is distinct. Over time the areas on my face and forehead require Efudex, which I hate but it does the job. For the one spot I wouldn't mess around with the bother of Efudex.
1. NinaHU Community Admin
 Thanks for your perspective, <inline-mention user-id="2093172" username="blackhorse"/> ! I can see your reasoning for using freezing for the defined spot and Efudex for more widespread areas. Good to hear these different takes on it! - Nina, <a href='https://skincancer.net' target='_blank'>SkinCancer.net</a> Team