Skin Cancer

I just received a call from my derm yesterday confirming the growth I have had for about 5 yrs and they tried to freeze off 3 or more years ago is basal cell carcinoma.  He shaved the growth off my nose and is sending me to a specialist that does Mohs micrographic surgery.  I looked this up on the internet and the photos look awful, like huge gaping holes in the face.  When healed they looked slightly better.  My concern is this is on the side of my nose, just below the bridge and is about the size of a pencil eraser round (the flaking and scabbing).  Has anyone had this procedure and how did it turn out?  I am concerned about how large this has gotten in the last few years but also about the scarring. 

Any information on this would be appreciated.  I go for consultation on 10/19.

I didn't have MOHs done, but several others of our members have.  Will a plastic surgeon be in on your surgery?

My BCC was very small, and didn't even require stitches when it was removed (by cutting/burning about 3x), but my mom will be having MOHs to remove a BCC about the same size as yours from her nose soon.

At this point, I suggest you stop looking at phots online.  Often times you're seeing worst case scenarios and yours will likely not be so invasive.

Jimmy,

I have had Mohs on my Basil Cell Carcinoma.(3 different times) My first was larger than that but was on my cheek. MOHS surgery is the best way to remove it. The procedure allows the Derm. to remove the spot plus a small area of good cells. He/she will them look at it under a microscope to make sure they have good cells all of the way around the cancerous ones. If not they can just remove more in the area they did not get good cells. If they got good cells from 12 to 10 on a clock then they would only have to cut more from the area of 10-12. They do this until they are sure to remove all of the cancerous cells. If the Derm. finds the area removed is too large to just suture and have it heal he will send you to a plastic surgeon for repair. It is not as bad as you think. It could get very bad if you continue to let it go. Get it done now rather than wait any longer. I thought mine was caused by shaving and put it off long time. Now as soon as I see one I have it checked. Yes I have 3 scars but it is better than having Basil cell. I work outdoors on a beach and I have to get checked every 6 months.

Thanks so much to both of you for the information.  I am just stressing I think because I know it has been there quite a while.  I also have a small reddish pimple coming up on the end of my nose and then breaking open only to heal and come back again in a few weeks.  Not really a pimple, nothing in there, just opens up.  I had a magnifying mirror inspecting my whole face after they called me and there are a few things I want to have them look at also.  The physician assistant that removed the growth did not look at the rest of my face at all, so I'm kind of feeling like I need a better check.  He only removed the one I complained about.  I didn't think anything of the others until I started reading what this bcc could look like.  I didn't expect this growth to be cancer so I really didn't think of the others as anything but a nuisance.  I think I am just freaking out over the word  cancer and worried I will end up with a Michael Jackson nose.  Sorry, RIP MJ.     I know I will not die from this, but am really concerned about disfigurement.

I will stay off the internet pics of this surgery because they are truly frightening.  The ENT dr they referred me to  is also a plastic surgeon so hopefully things will not be as bad as I can imagine.  ]

Thanks again for the encouragement.  I always thought when I heard someone had skin cancer, no big deal, unless it was melanoma.  But when it hits you it feels like a different story.

"But when it hits you it feels like a different story."

You're right Jimmy and I felt the same exact way.  You'll get through this though.  :)