Any experience of basal cell carcinoma?

[Flyawaywithme]

I’ve had what looks like a raised flat scar on my arm for a couple of years. I’ve always assumed it was a scar from a spot although sometimes it can go crusty and dry skin comes off it. It then bleeds and is sore and then goes into a scar again before repeating the process. I’ve never thought it might be skin cancer because it’s on the underside of my upper arm and so not in an area exposed to sun much at all.

however, recently it’s been quite itchy. When I was scratching it I noticed the skin around the scar is quite numb. Not totally numb but in a similar way to how the skin above my c section scar feels. I then googled and saw basal cell carcinoma as a possibility.

I will be going to see the gp asap about this. Im not hugely worried as I know it’s a slow growing cancer if it even is bcc. I just wondered if anyone has any experience, if it was a concern that it was numb and if it was bcc what might happen next

thanks

Yes I had a basal cell removed from my back. Like you I wasn't concerned about it but it kept scabbing up and never healing.

I was referred to a dermatologist, 2 week wait. They booked me in to have it removed a few weeks later. I was surprised by how big my scar was. The carcinoma was about 3mm round and my scar was 4cm long but I had clear margins which is the main thing.

I went back in when the results had confirmed it was basal cell. They gave me a full body check, including my scalp. Told me to keep an eye on my skin. That was 10 years ago, all clear since then.

I had one removed from my nose. Not pretty as scar much bigger than the BCC. If it comes back I am going to ask if I can have laser or freezing, if they can.

If it's a BCC you really don't need to worry. They very rarely cause an issue after they're removed. I had one removed from the side of my face, alongside my ear. They didn't get clear margins and so had to do it again. A couple of years down the line it's difficult to see the scar. Good luck.

thank you