Hi Brownmouse,

Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand your concerns - do try to discuss this with your doctor if and when you can, as it's important that you understand what to potentially expect and what your options are, so that you can prepare.

Unfortunately I'm not able to advise on your question, but as I say the doctor should be able to help. You are also welcome to speak to our nurses if you would like to - either by posting in the 'Ask the Nurses' section of this forum, or by calling freephone 0808 800 4040 (Monday-Friday, 9-5).

Otherwise, if other members of the forum have similar experience or advice to offer then hopefully you'll get some more replies soon.

Wishing you all the best,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Brownmouse, I am waiting to see a Surgeon on the 15th of this month to be advised how extensive my surgery will be for a BCC on my nose. I am 78 but if being vain is doing my hair and make up every day even if I am just around the house then count me in as vain!

All I can say is that I am getting reports that with one as small as yours the scarring will be unnoticeable in a years time.

My BCC has been assessed as 4mm and I am hoping that next spring we will be wondering what we had been so stressed about.

I am going private as my Husband has private cover as part of his retirement package so I appreciate how lucky I am. In my area the NHS wait was at least 3 months, was told probally more like 6+ which was too long for me. I want rid of it as soon as possible so that I can get on with the rest of my life. We celebrate 55 years together this year and my Husband turns 80 so I could really have done without this!! Sending love.

Hi, thanks for replying. I’m sorry to hear you’re also worrying about this. I want to explore non surgical options although I appreciate this may not be possible. Freezing or shaving are two procedures I’ve read about, but not sure whether my lesion would qualify for these as I don’t know how deep it is. 

All we can do is consult the experts, more than one if necessary, get as much information as we can then go for it! Another reason for a Private consultation for me was that the NHS consultant just said, surgery with reconstruction using a skin graft if needed . It was a case of that's what you are getting. Times up ,next please. Hope you manage to get a solution that suits you. Best wishes.   

You too - good luck and do let me know how you get on. My appt not until 25 March…

Yes let's keep each other informed of progress. 

Hi  Brownmouse,  just to let you know how I got on with my Dermatologist appointment.  He has referred me to a plastic surgeon colleague as any scar will be somewhat visible on my nose.  I am so glad that I've gone private as on the NHS you may get your BCC removed but cosmetic/plastic surgeon will give you a  better visual outcome.

Whilst I was with the Dermatologist he gave me the once over, kept my undies on and my Husband was in the room, he found several other places/small warty thingswhich looked suspicious and froze them of there and then. Just stung a bit.  Glad to be rid of them. Benefit of going private! 

Will keep you posted as things progress, try not to worry too much. I'm sure everything will work out OK. Keep smiling. 

Thank you so much for remembering. I really do appreciate it. I’m also going private - appointment 25 March. Hope I get a good experience, like you x

Hi Brownmouse, my appointment with the plastic surgeon who will do the actual work is on the 27th March when he will explain in detail what he will need to do. Have seen some before and after photo's of his work and the results look amazing. Pity we have to wait even when going privately but I was told by my Dermatologist that the good ones always have a waiting list! Good luck. Sending love. Xx

Hi Brownmouse, Just wanting to say good luck for the 25th, will be thinking of you. Let me know how you get on if you feel able.

Will update you after my appointment on the 27th. Sending love.x