Radiation
For those thinking of going the radiation route, you could have an alarming white circle the size greater than a quarter like I did in the middle of my cheek. Be careful. There are a lot of different radiation pieces of equipment out there. Make sure you understand how big the circle will be. Worst case scenario talk this through with 1-3 facial plastic surgeons. Consulting fees for each can be $100 plus but it will be worth it. Otherwise talk to multiple Mohs surgeons or have the plastic surgeons refer someone they trust. I have a long line scar 3/4 of my cheek after getting the circle removed and I’m disappointed with this whole experience. It’s important to know the downsides of each before you make your final decision. With Moh’s or Immiquimod , you are leaving yourself with a chance that it could be a really tiny area which gives you the best outcome. I hope this reaches someone trying to consider there options whatever they are going through. Just make sure the area is an area where you would be a good candidate and don’t let someone sell you because they are looking to make a profit for their own interest.
I had an invasive nodular BCC on the side of my nose, from the corner of my eye. I had a full thickness skin graft but still had deeper invasion. So was recommended for me to have the radiation treatment. A solid lead mask was made up for my face to protect my eyes and a hole was made for the radiation, I ended up with a 10 cent piece Snow White circle on the side of my nose and it stands out very much.
But to be honest it doesn’t worry me I can’t see it unless I can see my reflection. I’ve never really wore make up. All I care about is I still have my face with no gaping hole.
we appreciate you sharing your experience! It sounds like you went through quite a bit to treat your BCC. I’m glad you were happy overall with the outcome of your treatment. How long ago did you have this done? How have you been doing lately? All my best, Julie (team member)
you bring up a very good point to keep in mind. We must be diligent in advocating for ourselves and know the treatments that are available. Thank you for helping bring awareness to this issue. I’m sorry you had to go through so much and were disappointed with the experience. I hope you have been doing well since going through these procedures. All my best, Julie (team member) Thanks
…. I’m trying to put it behind me but it’s been hard as I was very self conscious of the quarter sized white circle in the middle of my cheek but not I have a line and I’m hopeful it will heal better over time and turn in to a thin line but none the less still self conscious and maybe even more now. If it was half my cheek I’d more than likely be fine with it but psychologically it feels like my whole face…I’m not a beard person but maybe I need to grow a beard to try and hide it. I’m on day 5 so it looks not the greatest right now and is is about 2.5 inches long or so which doesn’t seem like much but is when it’s in the middle of the cheek. The plastic surgeon wants to go over the line again in 6 months with a geometric broken line so we’ll see how that goes, but these surgeries take a lot out of me. It’s been a lot emotionally the last year and a half. I remember the radiation person telling me everything I wanted to hear with no downsides and how you wouldn’t notice it later on. I said are you sure this is the best way and they said yes and I said I have no problem with the Mohs if you think that’s going to give me the best outcome so it depends on who you talk to. Had I just gone the Mohs route I may have just had a tiny line or I could be in the same place I’m in now, who knows…. Still a disappointing experience and going forward I will just try to be diligent with going the Mohs route. There is just too much information online trying to push the positives on that radiation modality and I think there needs to be more before and after photos of considering that route and guidance especially the after care as they pointed the finger back to the dermatologist and I don’t think many derms out there are really that educated on the subject as new technologies evolve. I will say it’s still pretty barbaric to me that we live in these times with out something other than Mohs….. I know this a long message but again, hope it gets to someone else. Cosmetically the Mohs seems like the only good way to go at this point I can understand how physically and emotionally taxing this has been for you. Hopefully given more time, the line will begin to fade a bit. You are certainly not alone in feeling self conscious, but we are often more critical of ourselves than others. I thought this article may resonate with you https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/dealing-scars. Has your surgeon recommend putting anything on the scar to help with healing? Thinking of you, Julie (team member)
I really understand how you feel. I have been dealing with severe skin cancer since my late 20’s. Along the way, a dermatologist suggested radiation and said there would not be skin graphs, stitches etc. Sounded so good I did it. I ended up with a very white circle on my nose which I have spend a lot of time and effort to try different makeup that will cover it up. Years later I had another place on my nose with Mohs surgery and it doesn’t even show. You can find things to tone down red but not white.
One other thing I would always recommend - use a Mohs surgeon that has done. Fellowship in Mohs surgery. They can do an incredible job with removal and “repair”
