Is a lip biopsy the only way to diagnose SS my ENT said it was, is it painful?
Hi Heather,
Mine was diagnosed by blood test, and yes I have heard that the lip biopsy is painful.
Regards
Mandy x
what blood test did you have, I mean what was it serum or something cause I had a cbc and nothing showed up in that.
Hi Heather,
I had ANA, SCR, related blood tests that would indicate inflammatory markers for RA, Sjorgrens to include
Serum tests SS-A Ab SS-B Ab
Raised markers would include ESR, CRP and White cell count.
Your GP or RA consultant should be able know what blood tests will include these.
Regards,
Mandy
I endorse Mandy's list of blood tests. I have had SS 31 years and never had a lip biopsy as my bloods and symptms are so conclusive. The lip biopsy may be advised if bloods not conclusive and dr needs further confirmation.
I had the blood work done to check ANA but it was boarderline. My symptoms were so severe my doctor diagnosed sjogrens. My dr. didn't feel the need to do a lip biopsy, but she knows me very well as I've been going to her for the last 20 years with fibromyalgia. Make sure you see a rheumatologist as I really think they're more knowledgable as they see sjogrens more often
Hi Heather,
So many good replies...I only add the ANA stands for Anti-Nuclear-Antibody...you can research what kind of test it is, and what it can tell you.
Good luck,
Sally