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Skin cancer - bcc or scc awaiting biopsy

Viccoles
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Worried sick, size of tumour on my face is currently 10mm diameter and has a large whitish area all around it and this itches so much all the time - is this normal ? Also given its current size I presume they can't take it all out with the biopsy as they are only planning a 4mm punch biopsy (whatever that is!) I'm trying not to go down the google hole .. 

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    Hi Viccoles

    The biopsy punch which they take a sample of your skin with is 4mm wide. You will probably get one or two stitches to keep it together. Once the sample has been processed you will be told what it is and they will know how to proceed. If a skin cancer you will have surgery to remove all of it plus a little margin around the edge. That is usually an end to it. Meanwhile look after your skin, factor 50 sunscreen, cover up when it is sunny, wear a hat, avoid mid day sun, do not sunbathe or use tanning salons. I know it is middle of winter now but you get my drift. Yes the lesions itch, put some moisturizer on like E45 Anti itch cream. You will be OK.

    Ed

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    Hi viccoles

    Have you had the surgery just wondering was it basal cell carcimoma.. 

    If so.hope all went well.Im in the same position.

  • Offline in reply to Cockerpoo67

    Hi no not had any surgery when I last chased I was told in no uncertain terms there is a years waiting list - it is the NHS and they put the phone down on me. I have since had a form to ask if I still want to be on waiting list and if I do how far I am prepared to travel if they can find a slot somewhere else other than this hospital in Cambridge as they are overwhelmed with their list. Filled it in and still waiting so no further forward  my cancer is growing, itching and spreading since November but unless I go private nothing I can do but wait. Depressing

  • Offline in reply to Viccoles

    Hi vicccoles

    That is quite some wait at your hospital. If it is a slow growing  bcc you probably ok with the wait. If it is SCC get it sorted privately if you can pay or get a loan. Even still there is quite a wait for treatment. Ive got a long history of SCC 30 years but now advanced and incurable and I think that early treatment if you can get it is worthwhile. Meanwhile protect your skin from strong sunlight.

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Im sorry to hear you are still waiting, i have been told 29 weeks at least wait time on nhs.

    It is not good st all.

    Hope you get sorted soon 

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Farmer Ed, my bcc has been there for at leadt 18 months. I dont know how quickly ot is growing but am i doing roght getting siryrd privately as i am worried about it and how long thevwait time is.

    Thamkd

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