Hi David- Recently diagnosed. I was referred to a MOHS surgeon who refused to operate me. The size of the leision located on the tip of my nose is more than 2 cm. I talked to a radiologist who forgot to advise me of the side effects that I found myself in the internet. North Americans doctors say that photodynamic therapy is not an option for me due to the bcc subtype. European doctors claim otherwise. I’ve got lost…do not know what to do.
Please help if you can.
Hi Alex-
Several issues to consider. My experience as a long term cancer survivor and cancer researcher is that oncologists must offer services and therapies based on the institution (s) they work for. Basal cell carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer that is curable if addressed promptly. Each of the therapies listed below will have risks and benefits. One therapy such as Mohs combined with plastic surgery may have the lowest risk of recurrence yet cost more than a different therapy and may recur more frequently.
To learn more about other evidence-based therapies that can help prevent the development of non-melanoma skin cancer or relapse, please watch the short video below:
“Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are locally destructive malignancies of the skin. They are the most common type of cancer in the western world. The lifetime incidence may be up to 39%. UV exposure is the most common risk factor. The majority of these tumours occur on the head and neck…
A good understanding of the options available is important. Management decisions may be influenced by various factors including the patient’s age and comorbidities and the lesion subtype and location. Due to the importance of a good cosmetic and curative outcome for facial BCCs treatment decisions may differ significantly to those that would be made for BCCs arising elsewhere…
There is little good randomized controlled data available comparing treatment modalities. Although traditionally standard excision has been the treatment of choice various other options are available including:
“If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you are about to have Mohs surgery or you have just had your surgery recently. Many of you will have this procedure done to remove basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers. After reading articles such as “What it is Like to Have Mohs Surgery” or “Mohs Surgery: What to Expect During the Procedure,” you may feel more at ease with having this procedure done and especially knowing that Mohs surgery has such a high cure rate…”
