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First Skin Biopsy on Face

JS59
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Hi - I am 65 and 3.5 weeks into waiting for biopsy results for suspected SCC or Keratoacanthoma on my face. I have used Solaraze and Efudix for Solar Keratoses on my face and chest since 2017, but this is my first 'suspicious' lesion requiring further investigation. There was some confusion on my part due to lack of information with regards to my procedure, which I will explain in a separate post as I am still feeling quite miffed about it. 

  • Hello JS59

    I'm sorry to hear that you're currently waiting on biopsy results. We know that for many people this period of waiting can be unsettling. 

    You mention that there's some confusion on your part about the procedure that you underwent. Do you have contact details for a dermatology nurse specialist at the hospital you attended? You can always give them a call and ask for some clarification if you feel it will be helpful. Alternatively, you can contact the hospital PALS team. It's part of their role to help you with health-related questions and to help resolve concerns or problems when you're using the NHS. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to offer any advice, information and support they can. 

    I hope that you don' have to wait too long for your results JS59. Do let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    Hi,

    I've read your post on Ask the Nurses and I'm sure they will respond today. I just wanted to give you my thoughts as to what has happened. I have no experience of SCC or Keratoacanthoma but I have been a melanoma patient for many years & I've had many moles removed by the excision procedure for a biopsy.

    From the letter that was sent to your GP it would appear that the Plastic Surgeon carried out an Excision biopsy rather than a shave biopsy. Sometimes surgeons may decide to do a different type of removal if, once looking at the lesion, they decide a shave or a punch biopsy wouldn't remove the whole lesion whereas an excision will - they will especially want to ensure full removal if they suspect there is more chance of it being cancer. Shave biopsies are used for shallow lesions usually. The surgeon or nurse should really have told you about the change in procedure though & given you recovery & wound care details.

    The size of the wound is standard for an excision biopsy as they go by the depth of the lesion to ensure a safe margin of tissue surrounding it is removed. It is a shock when the dressing comes off but it was more of a shock to you as you weren't expecting it & to have stitches too. 

    With regards to the results & follow up, I would have hoped, even if the results are clear, that they would have called you back to check the wound is OK. Whilst waiting for the results, keep an eye out for any spreading redness, heat & pain & contact your GP immediately as it may get infected & you will need antibiotics. The time span you were given for your results is the current time it's taking around the country - some trusts may be quicker but only by a week or two, so sadly you have a little longer to wait. I agree with Jenn's advice - if you want to speak to someone at the hospital regarding what happened you could either ring the Dermatology Department & ask to speak to one of the Cancer Specialist Nurses or make a complaint to PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) at the hospital who should be able to get an explanation for you.

    I hope the wound settles down and that it heals well. The Facial Plastics Teams are usually very good at minimizing scarring and, although it looks bad now, it will look much better many months down the line. Good luck with your results,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)  

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