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Basal cell carcinoma on face - does it definitely need surgery

Brownmouse
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Hi everyone, I have seen a dermatologist this week who has diagnosed a BCC next to my nose. He’s referred me for excision but it’s not urgent. 

I’ve measured it and it’s around 3mm wide. I’m so scared about the scar I’m going to be left with and just wonder if there is any less extreme way of getting rid of it?

I know it seems vain but I have a very stressful job, I’m going through the menopause and I just feel this is going to really mess me up - emotionally and physically. 

Does anyone have any advice? Happy to go private if needed.

  • Offline in reply to Pinklady

    Oh thank you for remembering. It feels like it’s been such a long wait. TBH I just want it gone now - so fed up worrying about it all. 

  • Offline in reply to Brownmouse

    Hi Brownmouse, Just checking in to let you know how I got on yesterday with my visit to the Plastic Surgeon.

    My operation will be in two parts, both done at the same time. First the BCC itself will be removed with a suitable margin, this will then be sent to the lab for them to look at in depth.

    They apparently freeze it in some strange liquid and then thinly slice it to look at each slice to make sure enough has been taken out. This takes a week or two apparently before the results are in!

    Once the BCC is out of the way the surgeon will take a skin graft from just infront of my ear, where any scar will be hidden by my hair. He then sews it into the hole left in my nose where the BCC was removed.

    All this is done under local anaesthetic and will take about an hour. A  protective dressing is put on and when I feel ready I can go home. Apart from not getting my face wet until I get the all clear a week later thats about it. A couple of check up visits later I should be finished with it.

    Sounds a bit gruesome but we really have no option.

    How did you get on during your visit on Monday.? Let me know if you feel up to it. I know its a lot to take in but we will get through this. Sending Love.xxx

  • Offline in reply to Pinklady

    Hi Pinklady, sounds like you’re moving closer to getting this all resolved. I’m sure it sounds more dramatic than it is and you’ll be fine within a week or so! My appt was moved to yesterday. The consultant told me that mine could be removed with scraping which I’m relieved about as excision would mean a much bigger scar. As my BCC is on my cheek, next to my nose, I was worried about this, as you know. I have some other spots on my face which are keratoses which he’s going to prescribe cream for. I’m pleased to be moving forward with this and just want it all gone now. Thank you so much for checking in. When is your surgery? Mine is going to be June xx

  • Offline in reply to Brownmouse

    Hi Brownmouse,

    So pleased for you that your problem can be resolved with just a minor procedure and without further surgery. If the cream you are prescribed is Efudix then I have much experience of that as I have been using this cream periodically since 2017 for various Solar/Actinic Keratosis on my face. If you want I can tell you more about what to expect with it. 

    I am currently waiting for my operation date to be confirmed but it will most probably be early May.

    Good luck for your June appointment, chin up, you will look back in a years time and wonder what was all that about!

    Sending love. Xx

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