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Original poster

Basal Cell Carcinoma. Anyone had one? Symptoms?

26 replies

BangBongBing · 20/07/2021 16:19

I have a patch of pink, scaly skin on my face about the size of a bit of sweetcorn. It feels like a scab (rough, a bit raised) but it’s not a scab.

It itches like buggery and feels very tender or sore after I’ve been out in the sunshine. I don’t want to waste my GPs time by calling about it but I’m wondering if it could be a basal cell carcinoma.

I’ve tried moisturiser and hydrocortisone cream but neither have worked. The cream made it burn and itch more .

Has anyone had one and what did it look like ?

I have a history of moderate to bad sunburn stretching back from childhood Blush

OP posts:
Ipanemama · 20/07/2021 16:22

My dh has had two of these removed. The first one was a sore that never healed, he thought he’d cut himself shaving. The second was just as you’ve described.

Please see your GP. That’s what they are there for.

Ipanemama · 20/07/2021 16:22

Both on face.

HonorHiding · 20/07/2021 16:26

I’ve had one which was pink and shiny - a bump with a depression in the centre. There are several different types of BCC; mine was the infiltrative type, and much larger below the surface than was visible.

You must get your lesion checked properly - you will not be wasting your GP’s time. In the meantime, the area should be protected from the sun.

Interested in this thread?

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General health Skin conditions
IWantT0BreakFree · 20/07/2021 16:30

You need to see a doctor. I don't know why you'd think this is not something to seek medical attention for.

I've had a BCC and although it changed appearance over time there were points where it would have fitted your description. It could also be something more serious so go and get it checked out. Nothing to lose whatsoever.

LIZS · 20/07/2021 16:34

Dm has had 3 removed (2 face, 1 behind ear) and awaiting assessment on a 4th, on cheek. Hers is a raised pale spot, dark head.

Crunched · 20/07/2021 16:46

My DH had a BCC removed 4 years ago, close to his eye. Your description is very similar to his presentation.

onlyreadingneverposting8 · 20/07/2021 16:50

Most likely not a carcinoma but you definitely SHOULD get to checked out. For starters the doctor may well know what it is and how to get rid of it!!

Nat6999 · 20/07/2021 18:01

My dad had one on his temple, had a first surgery to remove it & had to have a second one as the margins weren't clear & a skin graft, he had a kind of dressing sewn on afterwards, it took a good year before it looked the same colour as the rest of hos face but had a dip where it had been done as the fat was removed at the same time.

crumpet · 20/07/2021 18:03

Get it checked. I’ve had one removed.

Original poster
BangBongBing · 20/07/2021 20:20

I’m going to get it checked Smile I just didn’t want to feel silly if it’s just a spot or a dry patch Blush .

It’s noticeable on my skin but only very very slightly raised but has a pink scabby appearance.

OP posts:
Original poster
BangBongBing · 20/07/2021 20:21

If I scratch at it , it bleeds a teeny amount and then goes back to a scab look.

OP posts:
OrchidLass · 20/07/2021 20:21

It does sound like it. I had one removed from my face and it was very much like you describe.

igelkott2021 · 21/07/2021 08:55

It could be an actinic keratosis, which isn't cancerous. I had one on my arm. I had to put cream on it for a month to "burn" it away. They may treat it differently when it's on your face though as I now have a brown scar on my arm.

FrenchFancie · 21/07/2021 09:21

You should get it removed - I’ve had two very similar on my face, both felt like crusty bits of skin. One was removed with surgery, one was taken off with a special kind of cream that you put on for three days and then got a blister. Both now clear.

Whatisgoingonhere · 21/07/2021 09:23

I had one on my face with similar characteristics and stupidly didn’t get it checked out for about a year. Had about 9 stitches when it was cut out. Please get it checked ASAP!!

Newpuppymummy · 21/07/2021 09:23

I had one that sounded similar removed. It wasn’t actually at all. You need to see your GP and get it checked out. They are easily removed if it turns out it is one

Original poster
BangBongBing · 21/07/2021 10:31

I’ve made a routine appointment with my GP; in 4 weeks time.

I was told appointments are scarce so only to take it if I really need it. It’s made me worry I’m going to look incredibly silly if I rock up and it’s just a crispy bit of skin Blush

It feels tingly and itchy today so I’m aware it’s there even though it’s very small.

OP posts:
LIZS · 21/07/2021 10:44

I would try to get a video or telephone appointment in meantime. A photo may bring you a referral sooner.

carrottopper · 30/05/2022 23:33

How did you get on with this please? My husband has an appointment next week about something similar sounding

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 30/05/2022 23:43

I know this is from last year so thought I'd reply to you@carrottopper I had similar on my chest, saw a GP who prescribed hydrocortisone cream which did nothing. I asked to see a dermatologist who confirmed basal cell carcinoma. She used a liquid acid to remove them and advised wearing SP factor 50 every day of the year.

shreddednips · 30/05/2022 23:47

carrottopper · 30/05/2022 23:33

How did you get on with this please? My husband has an appointment next week about something similar sounding

My mum has had BCC on her nose twice, both times removed by Mohs surgery. She's had no health issues related to it at all other than some scarring, which has faded and is barely noticeable. As far as I remember, her doctor said that it is something you want to deal with to stop it from getting larger but not a concern in terms of spreading to the rest of the body.

Basilbrushgotfat · 31/05/2022 00:11

Thanks for resurrecting this thread, currently trying to get an appointment to get a couple of small lesions on my face checked to rule out BCC and its reassuring to read.

TUGGY2006 · 31/05/2022 09:16

I had one removed and waiting for my second one to be removed. Both tiny little spots that wouldn't go away but almost skin colour so you'd hardly notice them. I will say if your concerned push for a referral to dermatology, my gp brushed me off for a few visits (was in there for other long term issue and mentioned this at same time) but they eventually referred me to dermatology who got me sorted. Hope you all get on OK.

Coastalcreeksider · 31/05/2022 09:21

In our family, I am one of five of us who've had this. They all had minor surgery to remove them but I had to have fairly extensive skin graft surgery four times as part of my face had to be rebuilt due to an aggressive BCC.

I am now back under the dermatology unit and waiting to have a biopsy in July on another suspicious lump, I am praying it is not going to be as awful as last time.

Do not hesitate to get it checked, send photos to your GP and push for an appointment. They will then refer you. Good luck!

Basilbrushgotfat · 31/05/2022 14:27

TUGGY2006 · 31/05/2022 09:16

I had one removed and waiting for my second one to be removed. Both tiny little spots that wouldn't go away but almost skin colour so you'd hardly notice them. I will say if your concerned push for a referral to dermatology, my gp brushed me off for a few visits (was in there for other long term issue and mentioned this at same time) but they eventually referred me to dermatology who got me sorted. Hope you all get on OK.

This is exactly what mine are like, except one keeps bleeding.