BCC On Nose

Hi and welcome to the skin cancer group

I replied to you when you posted in the melanoma group and most of what is below you'll already have read there. However, I wanted to add it here too for people coming along in future looking for the same information as you.

There are many people in this group who have had BCCs removed either by surgery or by using either imiquimod (trade name Aldara) or 5-FU (trade name Efudix) and they will hopefully be along shortly to share their experiences with you.

How the BCC is removed usually depends on where it is and how large it is and there is more information in this leaflet produced by BAD (British Association of Dermatologists). 

If your consultant didn't discuss using a cream to remove the BCC then your quickest way of looking into that would be to arrange to speak to him again. However, if he dismissed this idea and you want to get a second opinion then clicking here will tell you how to go about arranging that.

Do come back and let us know how you get on and at you decide to do.

x

Hi 

I have just had MOHs surgery followed by a forehead flap, for  x2 bcc on my nose, although the surgery was traumatic it all started the 1/10/19, I am delighted with the results, MOHs takes the least tissue, it’s a specialised surgery and for me the best cosmetic outcome, google the procedures for more information, I know it’s daunting and I was so anxious before the surgery but I am so pleased now, mine was infiltrating bcc and had spread down the septum, it looks amazing and you can hardly tell and it’s only been 3 months, there are a few other people on here who have had same procedure, ask to be referred to a MOHs surgeon, I paid for my consultation and then went on nhs waiting list.

take care good luck

 Frankie1 

Thank you, Frankie.  I have read online about Mohs surgery and am reassured by your reply although I'm still very apprehensive of the procedure itself and possible scarring. The forms for me to signnd return, prior to surgery, have arrived but I've not summoned up the courage to do so, as yet.

I know it’s daunting, only you can decide but for me MOHs was the best outcome for me, ask if it’s possible for you, whatever you decide the surgeons are very good, is it a plastic surgeon? Or a dermatologist? 

good luck 

Hello AngusMac,

I've had several SCCs and BCCs excised, one of which involved a skin graft.  I've also used Efudix.

I am not a medically qualified so please read what I write with that in mind. 

The chemo creams, such as Efudix, are effective at tackling pre-cancerous sun-damaged skin and very early, shallow and superficial BCCs.  The creams are not suited to tackling any cancer that is anything other than very small and shallow.  The fact that the specialist has even mentioned the possibility of a skin graft suggests to me that your BCC would not be suited for such treatment.  The cream simply does not penetrate deeply enough.

Of course I understand your nervousness about surgery but the experience of nearly all of us on this site, including me, is very positive.  The operation itself is a relatively simple one and the scaring and longer term effects are minimal.  The specialists involved are so skilful.

All the best and good luck,  Bill

Many thanks for taking the time to share your experience with me, Bill and I much appreciate your advice. I guess I'm being too apprehensive about having facial surgery and had hoped that a topical remedy could be used but, from what you've said, the surgeon has decided the my bcc would not be best defeated by applying a cream. 

I'll keep everyone posted as to how I get on.  Thanks again. AngusMac.

Hello Frankie, apologies for the delay in replying to your question re the surgeon involved in my case. He is a maxillofacial surgeon at my local hospital and, given his youth, I'm putting my faith in him doing a great job. I had blood tests there on Friday to see if any cells have spread elsewhere and I'll get the results tomorrow, Tues. 21st Jan. 

After much worrying and a few nights of disturbed sleep, I went into my local county hospital at 7am on March 5th to have that basal cell carcinoma removed from over my left nostril. I couldn't have been in more friendly, professional and dedicated hands from the moment I stepped into the admissions lounge. My consultant surgeon and I had a good chuckle about mistaken identity as we'd both shaved off our beards since last meeting a month ago then, at 08.25, I was prepped for surgery. On the operating table, I felt no discomfort, apart from a brief sting from the first local anaesthetic jab, and the actual op was not only totally painless but over within 25 minutes. I left the hospital at 11am after coffee and post-op advice from the treatment team who gave me plenty of dressings and antibiotic cream to help the wound heal quickly. 

Calling in at a supermarket en route home, I became aware that my appearance was drawing some attention from fellow shoppers but didn't realise why until I caught sight of myself whilst walking past a mirror in the clothing section. My surgeon had drawn an arrow in a purple ink boldly across my left cheek pointing to the area he had to focus on!! On getting home, it took me several minutes of rubbing with surgical spirit to remove it, after taking a selfie for posterity!! I laughed until the tears ran down both legs... 

So, to anyone facing the prospect of surgery to remove a facial carcinoma, be reassured that there's nothing to worry about and even twelve hours after my op I don't have the slightest twinge of discomfort. It's at times like this that us Brits must realise how fortunate we are to have had the National Health Service bequeathed to us by those prescient individuals back in the early 1940s to whom it was once just a dream. 

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to anyone facing hospital treatment.

Great news!  Good luck and thanks for relaying such a positive message.  Bill