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BCC

Montyc4135f
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Have had a biopsy which showed BCC on my scalp. Had an op to remove it from my scalp and just got results today. Told they took away margin of 0.4 mm but would have liked 0.6mm more. This was on phone from a nurse as two appointments with consultant have been cancelled. Nurse said when I see consultant at beginning of March he will probably give me options ie taking bit more away or keeping an eye on it for 6 months as it's very slow growing. Told me it's really nothing to worry about as it's very slow growing. Not sure what to think? 

  •  Hi Montyc4135f

    Thanks for getting in touch and a warm welcome to our online community. My name is Suzanne and I am one of the cancer information nurse specialists here at Macmillan.

    I can see that you are a member of our skin cancer forum and really hope that you are finding this supportive.

    From the information you have given it’s only natural that you are feeling unsure of what to think.

    It is difficult to comment without access to your clinical information but generally, the margins for a Basal Cell Carcinoma are predetermined according to guidelines. After surgery the margin is assessed to make sure that there are no cancer cells close to the edge of the margin. It may be that in your case there were cells at the edge of the margin taken, hence the suggestion of possibly taking more to minimise your chances of recurrence.  

    As the nurse mentioned to you, most Basal Cell Carcinomas are slow growing so it may be that if your surgery was particularly difficult, surveillance would be a reasonable option for you.

    I hope that this information helps in some way, but should you have further questions you could perhaps call your consultant’s secretary or email the consultant for clarification.

    Please do reach out again either online or via our support line if we can help you further.

     

    Best wishes and take care,

     

    Suzanne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

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