New diagnosis - BCC on nose

I have recently been diagnosed with BCC on the side of my nose. I have seen both a dermotologist and a surgeon as it seems I have two options for treatment. Curettage involving scraping and cauterisation or excision. Whilst curretage seems to be less invasive, I have been told that the cancer might return. Incision will mean that the cancer in that location will not return, but will require several stitches. The surgeon says plastic surgery/skin graft will not be necessary as there is just enough fleshy area to work with. I am so worried about how I will look after either procedure. Although I am elderly, I still take pride in my appearance and never go out without make-up. Also at my age, the skin is thin, so will the scar heal well? Sounds silly I know, but I have visions of hiding away in the house for months! My first step of course is curettage or surgery? Any advice would be gratefully received.

  • Call 0808 800 4040 to talk to a nurse. We are all here with you. You can surely do this. 

  • Hi Minme

    Of the many skin cancers Ive had removed one was on the left side of my nose. It needed a full thickness skin graft from my face just in front of my ear and after a few years is barely noticable although the is a scar. With no graft to be done you should be fine and as you use makeup you can disguise it while it settles down. My deep cut has left me with a collapsed nostril which is difficult to breath through. Something worth asking about when you meet the surgeon. My BCC had been an undiagnosed wart like lump for 30 years! If yours is equally slow growing and like me an older person the third option may be to just leave it and do nothing. Hope this helps with your decision making.

    Ed