Any other young adults with basal cell on face and forehead?
I'm 32 y/o female recently diagnosed with superficial, nodular basal cell carcinoma on my forehead. I'm having Mohs toward the end of July. Unfortunately, my family history is riddled with skin cancer so it was only a matter of time. I'm fair-skinned and though I have been diligent with shade/hats/sunscreen since I was a kid, I still experienced some bad sunburns. Hoping I can connect with other young adults (and others) to get advice and share experiences and support. Furthermore, I'm getting married next year and anxious about scarring, though most before/after photos look promising. Thank you in advance!
...I am so sorry you are facing Mohs. I have had Mohs three times--twice on my neck and once on my shoulder. As frustrating as it can be to face the procedure, I can tell you that Mohs is the way to go if you need to have basal cell removed. By having Mohs, you avoid multiple return visits and you will know the same day when your margins are clear.
As far as scarring, I have been very pleased with the way my Mohs excisions have healed. I can't even see the one on the side of my neck anymore.
The one on the front of my neck is right between my collar bones and so small I only notice it when I am flushed. I had both of those Mohs surgeries in my mid 30s; I am 46 now. Both of them healed quickly.
Your dermatologist should be able to offer you some tips to help reducing scarring.
I am including a few articles you might find helpful as you approach your surgery.
offers some great advice about Mohs surgery here:
https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/mohs-surgery-advice/
This article provides tips for aftercare:
https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/aftercare-facial-mohs-surgery/
Here is howcopes with scarring.
https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/dealing-with-my-scars/
I am sending you positive thoughts as you prepare for Mohs. Don't hesitate to reach out to us again when you need us! Please keep us updated on your progress. We are here for you!
April, SkinCancer.net, ModeratorApril-Thank so much for your kind words. Sorry for the delayed reply, I recently closed on my first home so it has been a good distraction for me while waiting for surgery, but also very stressful. It is helpful to connect with those that have been through this. Although I'm the 6th person in my family with skin cancer, I'm the first with basal/MOHS. Thank you for the reference articles, I've been reading through them. Surgery is 7/27 and I'll be sure to share my full experience a few weeks later to further help those experiencing skin cancer. Thanks again!
Yes I had basal cell on my nose had mohs surgery in October of 2019.
Hi Melody-thanks for commenting. Hope you're healing well and feeling good!
