Hi I had a skin lesion for over 8 years, about 4 years ago my doctor referred me to demotology to get it checked as they thought it was a possible bcc. Demotologist looked at it said it was a cyst. So I left it at that I have noticed it has got biggerrecently  so I sent a picture to my doctor who says she thinks it does look like a bcc so I need another referral I am worried as it's been there so long :-( x

Hi,

I am new here! I have had a 5mm circle mole (or what I thought was a mole) for a good few years on my back. Doesn't appear to have changed much over the years but recently bleeds when rubs in clothes or drying after shower. I went to consultant dermatologist on Wednesday and he diagnosed Basal Cell Carcinoma (99 %) sure! They are removing in 2 weeks but I'm freaking out! He has said not to worry and it won't effect my life. 
 

I am a 36 year old male and after googling loads since Wednesday I'm now totally freaking out and scared.

looking for some comfort and reassurance I guess :)

Hi 

I am glad you found my post, I hope it reassures you a bit. 

I have been where you are and have googled so much whilst I was waiting for my appointment. I broke down at the hospital thinking I was going to die. The doctors were so shocked how frightened I was because they are no threat to life. I am only 38 and at one point convinced myself I wouldn't see Christmas. 

They are harmless. My consultant said that in 43 years he has only lost 2 patients to this. They had both left their growths for 15 years or so, they were the size of golf balls and had unfortunately spread. He also told me that BCC never used to be classed as cancer and that I should think of them as a nusiance more than anything. 

I had mine removed and the whole thing was quick, I was out in less than 2 hours. I have a small scar but I am nearly 3 months on now and I have had a review yesterday. All is good now.. Please please don't panic and stop googling.. Easier said than done I know. 

Thanks so much for your reply. I went to see a consultant privately and he's supposed to be amazing. He examined me with that magnifying glass device and said he's sure it's a BCC. No biopsy etc. Booked in to get it removed but he said in the letter it will be sent off to confirm his diagnosis. I'm scared he's going to be wrong and it's something like melanoma or something worse than BCC! How often are these things wrongly diagnosed!! 

They tested mine afterwards as that is normally. My examination was also the same. They were so confident they also didn't do a biopsy. Please do not worry they are very experienced and deal with this all the time. Please come back and let me know how you get on

Thanks so much.

taking it out on the 15th. Will let you know :) 

Yay

I am so pleased that you have had it done and I know exactly how relived you must feel. 

Mine is still sore every now and again but lasts seconds. So glad I could help reassure you and I am glad it went well. Take care

Hi,

I can understand your fear but it's very, very rare that a consultant dermatologist mistakes a melanoma for a basal cell. He examined your lesion with a dermascope - this shows him any change in the cells of the lesion and they can tell by the type of change as to what type of cancer it's likely to be. They will do a biopsy when they remove it - they can't biopsy there and then as it's an invasive surgical procedure. I hope this helps. Also, please don't Google as it's fuelling your anxiety - it's old information and is not helpful. Trust in your dermatologist.

Angie (melanoma patient)

Hi Lilyrose61, There are 2 types of basal cell skin cancers according to my dermatologist. One is flat & has a roughness to it growing across top of skin and is easily treated as I can attest! The other is like a bright red spot that never seems to go away. It has a root so needs to be either removed by a small op or treated with something like imiquimoid cream (I used this for one one my lip as I didn't want to have part of my lip removed and it worked after 2 courses of this cream). I've gotten used to having multiple bc's popping up everywhere over the years as I loved the sun and do have 4 small ones of the flat kind growing across the skin at present which probably will be treated with one of the creams or by photodynamic therapy in the near future. It can be very worrisome when you get the first diagnosis of bc's but after a while it becomes pretty routine as bc's become very common the older we get especially for sunlovers. I do hope you will receive support and treatment soon.

Kindest Regards and good wishes.