BCC what to expect

I was diagnosed with BCC before Christmas. I’ve got an appointment in February at a dermatologists. 

Was wanting to know what to expect really! Will they cut out the lesion on this appointment or will they just want to have a look to see what needs doing??

  • Hello Marmite20

    Welcome to the forum although I'm sorry that you find yourself here. 

    Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. Your treatment depends on where your skin cancer is, how big it is and your general health. You can read more information on our website here

    I wonder if you might find it helpful to speak to one of our nurses ahead of your appointment. They may be able to offer some advice and resassurance. You can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope this helps. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Thanks Jenn,

    The cancer is about an inch and a half from my left eye on the side of my head, it’s about the size of a ten pence piece. I’ve had it for about two years but put off seeing the doctor about it. 

  • Hi,

    Unfortunately the forum terms & conditions are that photos are not allowed so a moderator will remove your photo when they become aware of it.

    My dad has had two basal cells like yours, one on his forehead and one in exactly the same position as yours. For both he was first given cream to try for a few weeks - it worked on the one beside his eye but not on the forehead so he had to have that sugically removed. So, you may find you are offered a cream or they may decide to remove it. If they remove it they may do it at the time of the appointment if they have the time, or you will be called back at a later date. The one surgically removed from my dad's forehead healed well with only a thin scar that's hardly noticeable.

    Angie (melanoma patient)

  •  

    Hi Marmite

    I have had lesions on my face, back, and just above my ankle. My Gp initially refered me to see a Dermatologist. She was concerned because the one on my face was just below my eye. She referred me to a Plastic Surgeon, as she felt that I might need his services for my face.

    He examined me and then removed the lesions and stitched me up. I was brought a week later to have the stitches in my face removed. The nurse commented on how tiny and neat they were when she was taking them out. I had a dressing on for 1 day and, after that you could hardly notice anything.

    The lesion on my foot was a different matter. It remained red and became infected. I had 2 weeks on antibiotics. It is now a year since I had this surgery and, you wouldn't believe that I had any surgery to my face. My leg is now healing. The plastic surgeon told me that it would take a year for it to heal completely and, he was right.

    I am not a doctor, but I suspect that if yours is the size of a 10 pence piece, you may also be referred to a plastic surgeon.

    I hope that it all goes well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx