AIBU to think the NHS should offer MOHS for infiltrative basal cell cancer on nose?

[basalcell2244]

I had expected to be offered MOHS to cut out cancerous infiltrative basal cell on my nose instead they plan to cut a circle the size of a 20 pence piece and then graft some skin from my neck to cover the hole. Any personal experiences welcome in NHS or private sector or any medical professionals. Thank you.

What is MOHS?

I don't know much of this procedure but if there's one you think would leave a better cosmetic outcome I'd spkeaj to a plastic surgeon about it before committing. Around here our Nuffield cosmetic surgeons do free consults.

I've had Mohs procedure for a squamous cell carcinoma. A grade up from BCC in terms of mortality rates, though not as shit as melanoma.

Mohs is for cosmetically challenging bits of your face. In my case the columella, the bit that separates the nostrils. They slice a tiny bit off, analyse it on the spot, and if there are cancerous cells they slice again. And so on. In my case the original biopsy had whipped out the whole cancer. Obviously I don't know what would have happened had they had to keep slicing. I still have to have a whole body skin check annually.

I had private insurance, as do many Australians.

Having googled your cancer, and being a complete non-medic, it's the infiltrative bit that's making them, er dig deep. Clearly you need to ask around for other opinions.

All the best, basalcell

On your nose, they would need to skin graft for anything more than a tiny area anyway as they can't pull the skin together like they could on your cheek for instance. But if you aren't sure about the treatment plan, you need to talk to your treatment team about why they are recommending this over other options - no one here has all the information that they do.

Has he really Jefferis? Sign me up

I was referred to a plastics team by dermatology but it appears only main hospitals do MOHS which is done by dermatology and then they often don't need to skin graft. Spoke to our local private hospital and they don't do MOHS so looks like it is only main cities.

I had MOHS done privately in Glasgow a few years ago (via insurance). BCC on my nose.