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BCC symptoms

Thomasina25
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I recently had a biopsy which confirmed that a lesion on my scalp is cancerous, and I have been referred for surgery. I have read that waiting lists are long and that bcc is not regarded as urgent. I am quite worried though. I have had this scab for quite a long time, but it now bleeds every night, is growing and is very sore/painful. The pain seems to penetrate deep into my scalp. I know that bcc doesn’t usually metastasise but I don’t see any mention of it normally causing so much discomfort. Do these increasing symptoms mean that there is a possibility that this is actually progressing into something more worrying?

  • Hi Thomasina

    You are correct about BCC being slow growing. Yes the lesions can be sore and tender especially when you pick off the scabs. No they do not usually progress into something worse or invade the bone in you skull. I have two BCC on my collarbone area which are tender. The wait at our local NHS is 9 months. If you can afford it have it removed privately about £1500 depending where you live even then there is a long wait. Protect your skin from the sun all year round to prevent further lesions. I had first BCC removed over 30 years ago and many more since plus SCC which is now metastatic. So wear hats use suncream avoid midday sun. Never sunbathe orr use tanning beds and you should be ok once the lesion has been removed.

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Thank you for your reply Ed. I haven’t picked the scab on my bcc, but it hurts even when not touched and the pain is often shooting or stabbing type pain over quite a large area of my scalp. It’s too sore to lie on that side in bed. Can I ask how big the bccs on your collar bone or ones that you previously had removed, are/were, and if you experienced this much discomfort?

  • in reply to Thomasina25

    HI Thomasina

    Collar ones are 6mm other BCCs have been up to 15mm. One fast growing SCC was 30mm when it was finally removed. It needed a skin graft and I have a 50mm scar. Yes some are very sore.

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Thank you so much it. It is very reassuring to talk to someone who has been through this, though I’m sorry to hear how things have progressed for you. My bcc is about 25mm. 

  • in reply to Thomasina25

    None of the BCCs ever came back from the area where they were removed. But I have extensive skin damage from over exposure to the sun as a child living in the tropics and my outdoor occupation as a farmer. So I have continual new skin cancers. It is really important to look after your skin.

    Read this

    www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../sun-safety

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