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Basil cell carcinoma - what do these numbers mean in my histology report? Also, BCC seems to be getting bigger since having punch hole biopsy, what should I do?

essv28
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In April I had a biopsy done of a lump on my forehead and this was part of the histology report:- This biopsy shows skin with cystic space and detached cohesive lesion comprised of nests of atypical basaloid cells ( EMA- , BER EP4 + ) with focal peripheral palisading, consistent with a basal cell carcinoma of the nodular type. I got this through my care app, so not sure what the numbers mean, have you any idea please?  
I have been told they’re going to excise it, but I rang to see the waiting list…. They couldn’t tell me when I would be seen but it’s starting to get bigger since they punch hole biopsy, what should I do??
kind regards hope someone can help
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    Hi essv28

    Im sorry to hear you have the skin cancer BCC. Once it has been removed it is highly unlikely to return. As you will have other sun damaged skin it is important to look after it. Hat suncream avoid midday sun etc. This is more important than your upcoming surgery. There are very long waits for this currently 9 months at our NHS. If you can afford to or can borrow the money consider private treatment even then there is a considerable wait. You will be OK whatever way you go..

    Ed

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    As nurses we do not interpret medical reports as we do not have clinical doctors working here. Your doctors are the best people to interpret this for you as they are familiar with all your medical details.

    I appreciate waiting any length of time to be treated is stressful. Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are the most common type of skin cancer that typically grow very slowly, rarely spreads, and are rarely serious.

    Treatment to remove a BCC isn't usually regarded as urgent and people often have to wait a few months or more for treatment. 

    You may want to talk your concerns about the area getting bigger with your GP. They will assess you and decide if you need to be seen sooner.

    I hope you know more soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Thanks so much for your reply, tbh I am careful and now and always wear a factor 25 but I was silly when I was younger like most people that are my age, you went on holidays and sat out in the sun till you went as brown as we could…. I am a hats on person now and keep myself as safe as I can… just this waiting is doing my head in x

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Celene

    Thanks celene I actually got a results letter through my CARE app which was scary, so haven’t even spoken to a doctor about it since my biopsy, yeah I actually gave the waiting list for removal, and they don’t have a date in the future yet to give me, but I thought they’re was a deadline of when cancer patients are supposed to be dealt with. Or maybe because it’s slow growing would that be why’s I haven’t been seen yet?? 

  • in reply to essv28

    Hello, and thank you for your further post,

    As Celene has mentioned, because Basal Cell Carcinoma BCC usually develops slowly, it is not considered urgent; therefore, there can be a wait of a few months for treatment. Unfortunately, we cannot say how long you will need to wait. Although it may be a while before you start treatment, hopefully, someone from the hospital will be in contact soon to talk through your results and explain what happens next.

    It might be worth speaking with your GP to see if they have seen the results and can talk things through with you. Or if you have the name of the skin specialist who did the biopsy, you could try contacting their secretary for advice.

    I hope you do get to hear back from the hospital soon with a plan. Please feel free to come back to us again

    All the best

    Jemma

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