Radiotherapy for bcc

that is odd because I was just diagnosed with bc on my forehead and dr. ask me what was my choice and I told him if I can I would like to have radiation and he said that is a good choice. I didnt ask him why I just assume because it was on my forehead radiation would not leave a scare. I wish I would have ask him but I was lost for words when he told me it was bc. 

Was that your GP or a dermatologist? 

Hi Midday 58  I have had 2 basal cells removed from my face. One was near my nostril  and I had skin flap surgery and it wasn't the horrendous type that you have probaby seen.  He cut down my facial line on my face and pulled the skin over the hole where the cancer had been and sewed it all up.  I was awake through the whole procedure.  I saw dermatologist first who didnt want to do it and referred me to plastic surgeon.  Radiotherapy was mentioned and my Consultant said no you are too young for this (73) and excision is the best thing to do. Regarding scars, yes it was a mess for a few months, but now people who don;t know I have had surgery, don't know.  I had another removed with a skin graft and this was at top of my nose right under my eye.  Where abouts on your nose is it.  Have you seen plastic surgeon.  I didnt have Mohs, I was offered it but my Consultant told me normal surgery is 96% certain of getting it all. He took a wide margin and it was fine.  Where abouts do you live xx

• Hi. Thank you for your messsge. I am in Essex. I had a bcc removed by a plastic surgeon 6 years ago, had a skin graft but am left with quite a significant “crater” on my shin. So I can’t imagine being left with that in the middle of my nose. The bcc is midway along my nose but to the side, not on the bone. I saw a private Consultant Dermatologist who recommended MOHs. (I haven’t even seen my own GP yet) still waiting for the letter from the Consultant telling his findings and recommendations. I also have 2 on my upper arm which can be treated with chemotherapy cream. So at the moment, haven’t been referred for biopsy let alone anything else. I have contacted a private clinic who do radiotherapy for bcc and am waiting for an appointment with a consultant for a second opinion. And also a private hospital nearby for maybe a third opinion!! I don’t really know what else to do while I am in limbo. I’m guessing the NHS waiting times will be long, especially for MOHs surgery. I’ve already received a quote for that privately and there are a couple of surgeons in Essex that do it. 
  
  

The images I’ve seen of MOHs plus flap reconstruction are horrific and I obviously don’t want my face cut about like that. So it was good to hear that you healed so well that people wouldn’t notice that you’ve had surgery.

i don’t understand why some people are offered radiotherapy and others told it’s not a good idea. That would be my preferred option as no surgery involved. Everyone (medical) seem to have a different opinion which makes it very hard to decide on the best course of action.

Hi Midday58 I have all mine done privately at private hospital in Derby. NHS waiting lists are long for skin cancers. especially MOHS  I didnt know you could have radiotherapy for skin cancers until I saw the letter dermatologist sent to plastic surgeon, saying I had been given option of it but plastic surgeon said no excision is the best courser of action.  I do know someone on this site that had the flap surgery on her nose, had it done privately, she may see you comments and reply.  I have never seen my gp either gone through Bupa gps for referrals and then seen Consultants.  Hubby just used effudix cream on two small areas on his face and they are totally clear now.  Keep us updated how you go on and good luck.  This site is brilliant I couldnt have got through it without chatting to people in the same position.xx

Hi midday 58

I've had a bcc excised from my nose and like you I was horrified at some of the images...  I wasn't given the choice of radiotherapy...   it's worth remembering that although the flap surgery's look awful they really do minimise scarring in the long run.  We understand how scary it is. I was a nervous wreak....    the surgeon that did my surgery also explained that the face heals really well and he was right. I've got a minimal almost invisible scar.   Please let us know how you get on 

Hi, Thank you for responding to my message. That has put my mind at ease a little. The images I have seen and now can’t unsee have freaked me out so much I almost feel I’d rather not have anything done but I know that’s not an option as I’ve also seen images of people without a nose through neglecting a bcc. Did you have it done privately or on the NHS?

Hi, I think I will be given Effudix cream to use on the 2 bccs I have on my arm, wonder why that can’t be used on my nose. I’ll ask once I get to speak to a GP/Consultant! Yes, this site is great, I’m glad I found it.

One more question. Even though I had skin cancer on my leg a few years ago, I have still carried on going on holiday to sunny places, with a Factor 50 over my scar.

Have you been told to avoid going in the sun completely after surgery on your face? I will be travelling to Qatar in November (presuming I won’t have had anything done by then). I’ll avoid the sun as much as possible and sunbathing isn’t common there anyway but just wondered what advice others have been given? I do love the warmth of the sun and feel sad to think that I won’t be able to sit in it anymore.

Thank you so much for your input.

Hi Midday 58  I have just returned from 2 weeks in Cornwall. Im afraid I never was a sun worhsipper and was always careful using sun cream all the time.  However now I am a bit paranoid about going out in the sum.  I use Factor 50 all the time.  I was told by my plastic surgeon not to be too afraid as we need the sun for Vitamin D but I do take a vitamin D supplement every day.  I was told to use factor 50 suncream on my face 365 days a year even if just hanging the washing out.  I am very very careful and hubby got me a Factor 50 sun shade for the garden so I can still sit and enjoy a coffee outside but that is all I do.  I wear a hat all the time on holiday.  I am afraid it does change your way of life.  I know Pucketty boo who has replied to you also takes lots of precautions, we compare notes!  I find that No 7 Facial sun cream  Factor 50 is brilliant as it is a moisturiser face cream as well as a sun cream.  I have recommended this to lots on this site and think they all use it now.  I showed it my plastic surgeon and he said it was brilliant.  I use normal serum, moisturiser, sun cream and No 7 foundation the Factor 50 one, so covered in every aspect.  I have come home from Cornwall as pale as when I left so it has worked.  My plastic surgeon siad these things happen with age and I am very fair skinned so two things against me.  You learn to live with it after a while and it becomes the norm to do the regime every day. xx

Thank you for the information, it’s very helpful. I guess I’ll be off to Boots soon!