Diagnosed today with Basal Cell Carcinoma on the nose and feeling worried.

I’ve gone and done what we would tell any friend not to do and that’s consult doctor Google. When you get a diagnosis, you want to find answers to your queries but it really hasn’t helped my nerves. I have a follow up appointment next week where the doctor will be discussing treatment. 
I feel like my worry has been split in 2. There is the C word no one wants to hear and then I’m equally worried about what treatment I will need. I know it’s incredibly vain of me but I’m worried about how I’m going to look once they’ve cut it out. You can’t hide you nose! 

  • Hi Dawn, no unfortunately it’s still taking up major head space. Bad week last week, hardly slept which then made me feel unwell. The thought of having a skin graft on the top/end of my nose is giving me major anxiety. It’s not just being awake whilst the operation is happening but getting my head around living with scars and marks right in the centre of my face with no option to hide it. The thought of just returning to work a week or so later fills me with dread. 

    Do you know what the routine screening appointment will consist of? I’m pleased to hear you have a date for this next phase. 

  • Hi lou 

    It is a lot to get your head around. The procedure while you are awake will be OK the team will put you at ease and there will be no pain. You can ask beforehand  for a mild sedative. A post earlier by Hippyginger says she has a scar the size of 50p and is not worried and will wear her facial scar with pride. Im not so brave and very self consious of  having 5 such large scars on my face forehead and scalp two of them 50mm and try to hide them. There is a charity called changing faces 

    https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/

    Who may have info you find useful on concealing scars.  

    I also have a scar on the side of my nose from a skin graft but this is hardly visible the plastic surgeon was exremely skilled. The scars do fade with time and your family and work colleagues will not notice after a very short while even if both you and I do. Main thing is to prevent any more lesions by protecting your skin. Wishing you the best for your procedure.

    Ed