Reoccurrence of BCC after Efudix - is Imiquimod more effective?

Hi lorri

I've recently had a bcc surgically removed from my nose so havnt been in your position.

However, a few years ago I had imiquimod for a small area of actinici keratosis. It worked really well. I felt a bit flu like two weeks in but that soon resolved.

I can't compare it with efudix. 

I think your best option is a face to face discussion dermatologist as to the best way forward.

Skin grafts are used for noses but so are flaps, straight forward closure and wounds left go heal by themselves but only the surgeon would know the best way forward

Hi. The question you are asking is quite difficult. I, for one, did not find it easy. Only practice, self observation and a considerable amount of conversations with competent and unbiased doctors helped me to understand if efudex and imiquimod are suitable for me. I will share my experience, it may be helpful.

 I have experience with efudex and some imiquimod. I have BCC on the tip and wing of my nose, had mohs removal. After about 2 years relapsed.  After , Dermatologist prescribed efudex externally.  There were problems, side effects, festering which was treated with antibiotics. It was all just a nightmare. After efudex, it took a very long time for everything to heal. After 8 months of this, I have had another relapse. Another doctor suggested surgery or imiquimod. I decided to try imiquimod, after 10 days of application, I was unable to continue because of the side effects. Terrible inflammation, swelling, but what totally surprised me was the appearance of thrush, which I have never had before. I gave up imiquimod. It was only by finding competent doctors that I got an explanation as to why things were going my way and what I should do next. They explained that with external chemotherapy both efudex and imiquimod have about the same relapse rate after use, despite the fact that the drugs are different. And that these drugs can have some efficacy and not too pronounced side effects only if they are used for small bcc, about the size of a lentil or a small cherry, and that the bcc is at an early stage of growth and does not have invasive growth. Anyone over the age of 60 should read the instructions for use very carefully.They say there is nothing better and safer than surgery.If you have a tumour that is of considerable size, the likelihood of it growing vertically is great, and the area where the cream is applied will be greater and imiquimod will be absorbed in greater quantities and pass into the bloodstream, so the side effects will be greater and its effectiveness diminished. As it was for me.                                                                                                                                     If the tumour is small, you can try imiquimod, maybe it will work for you and there won't be any consequences. By the way, it was explained to me that imiquimod is an immunomodulator, but not an immunostimulant as many people think. Judging by the fungal lesions I got after imiquimod, this is the case.                                                                                                                                                                                         So, be careful if you have any chronic illnesses. Read the instructions and make your decision after weighing everything up. Finding a good oncologist and a dermatologist is also important to make the decision together.  Good luck with your treatment.