I am due to have surgery in January 2013 for basal... - MY SKIN
I am due to have surgery in January 2013 for basal cell carcinoma on my stomach. Any advice on preparation and aftercare?
Hi redhead2,
I had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my abdomen in the 1990's. As it was removed with a local anaesthetic (LA), there was no pre-op preparation. I was simply asked to wear a hospital gown and given a LA injection. The carcinoma was then removed with a scalpel, including some tissue from the surrounding area. The procedure was completely painless.
Afterwards, I was advised not to do any heavy lifting for a few days or drive (in case of emergency stop). My stitches were later removed by the nurse practitioner at my GP surgery.
If there is any preparation, you should receive a letter before your procedure advising you what to do.
Shell x
Happy New Year Shell!
Thank you for your reply. It was very reassuring. I have 2 patches approx 2 inches apart (which developed about 4 years apart) and the Surgeon said that they will be removed in one excision 4 x 1.5 inches. I thought it was a patch of eczema or psoriasis, so was very shocked at the diagnosis after the biopsy.The Surgeon warned me that I am likely to have more patches in the future. I sunbathed in my youth and am now on a mission to warn everyone to use sun-screen, especially red-heads!
Best wishes
Redhead2
People in my family are prone to skin cancers. I have already had several basal and one squamous cell carcinoma removed. It is important to visit a skin specialist relatively frequently, in order that new carcinoma are diagnosed and removed as quickly as possible. My basal cell carcinoma were treated about six years ago, and currently I go to my dermatologist for a regular checkup every few months. Thanks to this prevention behaviour, my squamous cell carcinoma was discovered in the nick of time before metastasizing occurred. That was one year ago in December 2011. Best wishes for your surgery!
Hi Millard1938
Thank you for your reply. I am interested that you have access to a dermatologist. When I discussed the results of the biopsy with my GP, I also asked about the future and all he said was don't worry once the two BCC are removed that will be it! Of course this was contradicted by the Plastic Surgeon who cautioned that as I have two BCC which developed over the years, the odds are that I will have further patches. There has been no mention of squamous cell carcinoma or referral to a dermatologist. I have looked up SQC on the web but pictures seem to be advanced cases only. Did you recognise that you had a further problem or was it the dermatologist? Did you ask for check ups and is this on the NHS or private medicine? Not sure if it is relevant but I am based in the north-east of England.
I am so glad that your condition is being well managed and thank you for your good wishes. Best wishes for 2013.
redhead2
Hi Redhead2,
Good luck with the BCC removal and all the best with your 2013 mission.
Shell x
Hi Redhead2, luckily, BCC are the least threatening of the various skin cancers. As far as I know, there is no danger of metastasizing, which is the great fear of every cancer patient. In my case I develop new patches on a regular basis every few years, including SQC in the previous year. By the way, SQC can metastasize if not diagnosed early enough. I think that regular check-ups (in my case every 3 months) is quite necessary for those of us who are prone to these skin problems. Once a year my dermatologist even gives me a total body scan. Many physicians do not have the expertise needed. One need not worry at all if one has a competent plastic surgeon and dermatologist. Good luck. I know how you feel.
