Joined the Basal Cell Club a Few Minutes Ago

[TromboneAl]

I got the word that the little bump above my chin was basal cell cancer, and I go in to discuss treatment options on Thursday.

My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery. Are there any situations in which that isn't the best option?

I've always seen the physician's assistant at the dermatology place, but I assume the doctor would do the surgery. If they suggest the assistant do it, should I resist?

Thanks.

 

[Dash man]

I got the word that the little bump above my chin was basal cell cancer, and I go in to discuss treatment options on Thursday.



My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery. Are there any situations in which that isn't the best option?



I've always seen the physician's assistant at the dermatology place, but I assume the doctor would do the surgery. If they suggest the assistant do it, should I resist?



Thanks.

I’m pretty certain a PA won’t do the surgery. In my case, my dermatologist didn’t even do it and they sent me to another dermatologist to have it done.
Mohs surgery isn’t pleasant, but they do get all the tissue and healing will have less scarring.

 

[braumeister]

Yes, in my very limited experience, most dermatologists will send you to a MOHS surgery specialist. Since it's small, you shouldn't have much to worry about.

 

[Dawg52]

I've had a couple of basal cells and 1 squamous cell removed. All done by my regular dermatologist. He did it the old fashion way. Knife. Can hardly see a scar. I don't think MOHS surgery is even an option in my smallish town. There's only a couple dermatologist here.

I did have the blu-light treatment done a few days ago. Wasn't much to it and maybe it will head off future problems.

 

[Dtail]

I see a PA for my Dermatology visits, but would not let him perform my surgery.

 

[CRLLS]

Mohs needs to be done where they can do live, on-site lab analysis of the removed material before closing the site. Other wise, it in not Mohs. There is nothing to worry about. It is simply removal by scalpel, analysis, repeat if necessary, then close. In the 2 Mohs surgery's I've had, they got it all in the 1st pass.

 

[CardsFan]

I got the word that the little bump above my chin was basal cell cancer, and I go in to discuss treatment options on Thursday.

My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery. Are there any situations in which that isn't the best option?

I've always seen the physician's assistant at the dermatology place, but I assume the doctor would do the surgery. If they suggest the assistant do it, should I resist?

Thanks.

Find out what they suggest. I had a BIG basal cell on my chest (size of a quarter). The DR sent me to a surgical center (Moh's surgery). 5-6" scar on my chest. They actually did a good job, and the scar is not very pronounced. Had another on my back, done with the knife, at the Derm's office.

I think the face and nose would be more concerning. A scar on my chest or back is no big deal. On my face, I want better options.

Hope it works out well.

 

[dumpster56]

I have had 4 basal cells removed , all on my right side of my body . Right shoulder, right lower shin boy was that a bitch to heal , right forearm and right temple . . Me 63 all found in the past 4 years . Mohs on the temple , the others plastic surgery removal and stitching. Just looked over my body today , no pink lesions. )

 

[becca]

I used imiquimod on a biopsy confirmed superficial basal cell on my nose. The course of treatment if 5x week for 6 weeks. The site gets sore, crusty, scabby and pretty ugly. I had Mohs scheduled for yesterday but wanted to try this first. My treatment ended Dec. 20 and last week I had another biopsy done on the site and it came back negative. I was given the option of doing the Mohs to check for any "rogue" cells or taking a "wait and see" approach. I opted for the latter. There is a 10-20% chance it could come back, if that's the case I will do the Mohs.

 

[mickeyd]

My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery.

I have had BCC several dozen times and had Mohs surgery 5X (I think). Accept it, get it taken care of, move on with your life.


Good luck.

 

[TromboneAl]

Will I qualify as a "cancer survivor" (assuming I survive )?

 

[CardsFan]

Will I qualify as a "cancer survivor" (assuming I survive )?

I know you said this tongue in cheek, but it made me think.

I have had several basal cells, two squamous cells, and one small melanoma removed.

Since I have not had to go thru the radiation and chemo that my other friends with cancer have had to do, for some reason I DON'T really think of myself as having cancer. It's weird, I know.

 

[Dtail]

I know you said this tongue in cheek, but it made me think.

I have had several basal cells, two squamous cells, and one small melanoma removed.

Since I have not had to go thru the radiation and chemo that my other friends with cancer have had to do, for some reason I DON'T really think of myself as having cancer. It's weird, I know.

Same here with one basal and one melanoma removed.

 

[Dawg52]

Melanoma pretty darn serious. I think successful removal of that would qualify as a cancer survivor.

 

[CardsFan]

Melanoma pretty darn serious. I think successful removal of that would qualify as a cancer survivor.

I hear you. But it was very small and a cut and sew procedure.

FWIW, I had never been to a Derm (at 62 years, then). DW thought a big mole on my back was a problem. I finally went. The big mole is still there, no issue. But I would have never found the melanoma that early without regular visits.

I count myself lucky. I know others that have had major surgery and follow-up radiation with large melanoma cancers.

 

[Winemaker]

My 32yo cousin passed in 1986 due to melanoma on his neck and back. Left a wife and 3 young boys, so yes , it is serious.

 

[GravitySucks]

No advice, just best wishes.

 

[Dtail]

I hear you. But it was very small and a cut and sew procedure.

FWIW, I had never been to a Derm (at 62 years, then). DW thought a big mole on my back was a problem. I finally went. The big mole is still there, no issue. But I would have never found the melanoma that early without regular visits.

I count myself lucky. I know others that have had major surgery and follow-up radiation with large melanoma cancers.

Mine was also rather small, although have a 4 inch knife type looking scar on the back now.
My Ex discovered a dark circle on my back and that is why I went to the doctor.
It only had one of the 4 signs of cancerous moles.
The doctor stated that eventually I would have died from it if not removed.

 

[TromboneAl]

No advice, just best wishes.

Thanks. I opted for Mohs even though it will mean a three-hour drive to Medford, OR—yay, another change to drive our new car!

 

[pacergal]

Thanks. I opted for Mohs even though it will mean a three-hour drive to Medford, OR—yay, another change to drive our new car!

And around all those I-5 mountain corners too!

 

[Time2]

I was a little naive, maybe not any more.
My regular doc looked at a mole on my shoulder and said, we should keep an eye on that. I didn't pay much attention and many months later I got in a position to get a good look at it and compared it to online pictures of cancerous moles and immediately made an appointment with a dermatologist. The Dermatologist looked it over and thought it was suspicipos and suggested we get a biopsy. It looked to my like a biopsy means cutting that thing out, which left a bit of a hole. I just assumed it was a skin cancer.
The dermatologist called my a week or so later and said, 'good news, it was not cancer'. I was like oh, ok. I guess if it happens again, I'll be more worried!

 

[Potstickers]

I was a little naive, maybe not any more.
My regular doc looked at a mole on my shoulder and said, we should keep an eye on that. I didn't pay much attention and many months later I got in a position to get a good look at it and compared it to online pictures of cancerous moles and immediately made an appointment with a dermatologist. The Dermatologist looked it over and thought it was suspicipos and suggested we get a biopsy. It looked to my like a biopsy means cutting that thing out, which left a bit of a hole. I just assumed it was a skin cancer.
The dermatologist called my a week or so later and said, 'good news, it was not cancer'. I was like oh, ok. I guess if it happens again, I'll be more worried!

I go to the derm 2x/year for a full-body skin cancer check. Over the decades, I've had probably 20 biopsies. A couple have been basal cell...but a bunch more have been disordered (the pathology report has a better word for it) with a recommendation from the pathologist that they are removed because they can progress to skin cancer. I don't love the process, but after growing up at the beach with no really effective sunscreen and nice Irish skin...it is what it is.

What I have learned over the years is that non-dermatologist doctors are pretty uncomfortable making any calls about suspicious-looking spots.

 

[bmcgonig]

Thanks. I opted for Mohs even though it will mean a three-hour drive to Medford, OR—yay, another change to drive our new car!

I'm assuming you're in Medicare or have good insurance. A normal excision is pretty cheap but a Mohs is about $2000.

 

[TromboneAl]

I'm assuming you're in Medicare or have good insurance. A normal excision is pretty cheap but a Mohs is about $2000.

Yes, Medicare. I checked the doc's website, and they bill Medicare.

 

[Turbo29]

I used imiquimod on a biopsy confirmed superficial basal cell on my nose. The course of treatment if 5x week for 6 weeks. The site gets sore, crusty, scabby and pretty ugly. I had Mohs scheduled for yesterday but wanted to try this first. My treatment ended Dec. 20 and last week I had another biopsy done on the site and it came back negative. I was given the option of doing the Mohs to check for any "rogue" cells or taking a "wait and see" approach. I opted for the latter. There is a 10-20% chance it could come back, if that's the case I will do the Mohs.

I had one removed on my scalp (in an area with no hair) 10 years ago. Dermatologist used a knife but the scar ended up being small and barely noticeable.


When a another popped up 4 years ago the same dermatologist had me use imiquimod. Took care of it. He has had me use it a few times since. So far it has always worked.