Basal Cell Carcinoma

[runningpink]

My own doctor called during the week to tell me that she had the results of the biopsy and that the wart thing on my face is BCC.

It came as a massive shock as you can imagine. Now that Iv had a few days for it to sink in I have a couple of questions and I know I can call on Monday but thought I would ask here incase anyone has experience of this.

It is in a bit of a tricky place on my face quite near my eye. So it will require the plastic surgery team to remove it.
Doctor said it could be a general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic due to the position.

So my questions are...

If it’s a general anaesthetic am I likely to need to stay overnight or be in and out on same day?

How long will I likely need to stop running/gym classes for? Relevant as I was about to sign up for an event which requires months of training.

Im not too worried about the procedure I’m more anxious about the waiting game for appointment to come through.

[ineedaholidaynow]

I had a BCC and it was removed the day I went to the see the specialist, but mine was on my leg so only needed a local. I had to be careful for a few weeks with sport but again that was because it was on my leg. I assume that probably wouldn't be such a problem for you.

I assume they will operate pretty quickly. I think it was less than 2 weeks from seeing my GP to going to the specialist.

[runningpink]

My doctor said she thought it would be done this side of Christmas. I just want a date now if you know what I mean. The unknown and waiting is what’s making me nervous.

I’m going to keep fingers crossed for a local anaesthetic as that will make things so much easier.

Thanks for the information ineed

[Celticdawn5]

Just had one removed from my forehead only last week.
Local anaesthetic at a nearby health centre. It took about 30 mins in total. Injections were a little uncomfortable but the actual surgery painless.
4 stitches in total. Small amount of bruising and I will have a small scar but I’m not the least worried about that.
I did feel headachy when the local wore off.

[Celticdawn5]

You will probably have to avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of weeks.
I waited about six weeks for my operation..

[gracepoolesrum]

Someone I know had one by their ear. Removed under local anesthesia, no hospital stay. It wouldn't have affected training or gym going at all. They had to wait months for removal though, it's not a priority in our area as it's benign.

[sunshinesupermum]

Local anaesthetic for me for one on the side of my nose. A small piece of skin was taken from behind my ear lobe and covered the 'hole' left behind. Scar faded after a couple of months. Good luck!

[PlatinumBrunette]

@sunshinesupermum That's helpful, thank you - mum is waiting on a call in for precisely this and she wasn't told much.

[OddBoots]

My mum and my grandma both had a BCC removed from their faces, because of the position of Mum's she needed a skin graft but usually they are quite simple. I don't know about exercise but I do know that the area is quite sensitive to the elements, cold winds were quite painful and it needs good sun protection.

[LarkDescending]

I had a fairly large one done in 2015 under local. It took all day (Mohs’ procedure - the specimen is examined while you’re there and they keep coming back for more until they have sufficient clear margins) but jo overnight stay. I can’t remember any subsequent restrictions though I may have taken the next day off work.

[LarkDescending]

*no overnight stay

[runningpink]

Wow thanks for all the information everyone.
I feel more reassured now so thank you.

I think I will hold off signing up for the event and do a different one later in 2020 just incase.

Sounds hopeful that it will be a local anaesthetic. That would be my preferred option.

Hopefully I get word through next week for the date.

[welliesarefuntowear]

Hi, I've had two BCC removed. One was very large on my back, was misdiagnosed by my GP and took a while to get it sorted. The second was on my shoulder and was spotted by the plastic surgeon consultant I saw in a follow up clinic. Five years on, I've had a biopsy and have a third one on the base of my back. I've got an appointment with plastics at the end of the month. The nurse that did my biopsy said 80% of skin cancers are BCC. I think of it like rust on a car. You have to have it removed before it spreads and causes more damage to your bodywork! It is very easily treated. I was terrified with the first one.

[welliesarefuntowear]

In addition, my friend had one removed from her nose and you cannot see where it was done and she recovered very quickly.