Skin cancer (basal/squamous) on nose question

[Evinrude]

Had a small (1/8” diameter) “pimple” on my nose that refused to go away and eventually got to the point of bleeding easily. So went to dermo they slice some off for biopsy , results come back basal and squamous . The surprising part is it has since healed completely to the point there is not the slightest hint of a problem . The question is could there still be cancer cells lurking or did they most likely “get it all” with the biopsy cut ?

[Txagq8]

Important note: NOT A DOCTOR. Do not rely on me for medical advice. I’m speaking strictly from own experiences and those of family members!

Chances are, based upon this being basal cell/squamous cell en situ, they took plenty as part of the biopsy and nothing more need be done. EXCEPT

Increased frequency of surveillance by the dermatologist. They probably need to go over you head to toe annually, get rid of anything suspicious, and keep an eye out for future occurrences. Something like that on the face was likely due to sun exposure. Since you’ve demonstrated you are at risk, they need to watch it.

In my case I never have had an instance of any skin cancer at all. But I do get large, darkly pigmented areas of irregular shape that makes people think OMG melanoma. They are always something else but they do strip me down and go over me with Uv lights and funky eyeglasses periodically.

Don’t freak but do pay attention to skin changes. Sounds like you already are.

[60s_surfer]

This question should be answered by your dermatologist. No one on a Web site is capable of giving you a proper medical opinion. Although basal cell carcinoma is usually localized to the surface, squamous cell is capable of metastasizing and spreading more deeply. If this were my skin, I would be asking a qualified dermatologist.

[tomas1]

The diagnosis confused me. I would think it's one or the other. Pretty big difference huh?

[Lester33]

Agree see a doctor I had the same pimple type cancer on nose and a MOHS surgery was done. As I understand it the only way to be sure it’s truly gone. Been fine since but they check skin every 4 months now. Just my opinion.

[cincinnatus1951]

Agree with the above. I am a veteran of numerous skin cancers. Ask to see the pathology report. It should say whether the margins were clear after the biopsy. I would go back to the dermo and ask him/her to explain what was found and what the path forward should be. At least frequent (quarterly) checks on the biopsied area.
cincinnatus

[oldbeek]

I have had several spots removed over the past 10 years. I get checked every 3 months and whole body survey every year now.

[GoodFollow]

I had some skin cancer on the nose zone some years ago and I got it because I was working on a place where the sun was shining the biggest part of the day, this is what my doctor told me. And the worst part of this story is that I was exposed to work with asbestos at the same time and I got mesothelioma as well, this was really awful and I was't ready at all to hear that I have a lung cancer, I mean no one could be ever ready to face this disease, but I didn't have money at all to deal with that. I found some information on the internet about a trust fund that could help me in this situation. I got a mesothelioma attorney and he helped me to get a huge compensation from my employer as I was exposed to work with asbestos without my agreement and this is why I got this disease. So, if there are somebody else in the same situation as I was, now you know what you need to do

[NeedleD]

Guess this jumped to a anything goes site! Hey I'm in need of motorcycle parts!

[Lost Sheep]

Guess this jumped to a skin cancer website ???

Yes, NeedleD, the post is a bit off the focus of this support group, but Evinrude has been on the site for some time and obviously trusts the men here for more than just E.D. advice and feels comfortable enough to share another aspect of his life and health.

We are a community. Sometimes we go off-topic. It is forgivable in my opinion.

In any event, support comes in many forms. Here is my contribution

https://skincancer.net/living/support-g ... nizations/