What is better for treatment of basal skin cancer radiation or Mohs?

I had Moh's surgery. The basal cell lesion was on my lower eyelid, very difficult location. A plastic surgeon (the one who did the first face transplant) worked on me right after the Moh's. Noone mentioned radiation. I didn't think basal cell spread....but it can grow!

@mustsell Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

There are four main types of basal cell skin cancer, and your doctor will know by the biopsy which one it is. That will determine the best course of treatment. "There are four main clinical variants of basal cell carcinoma. These are nodular, superficial spreading, sclerosing and pigmented basal cell carcinomas."

Has your dermatologist told you which kind you have?
Ginger

No, I am waiting for the biopsy results. I am concerned that she wants to use radiation which entails 3 visits to her per week for 7 weeks. I also see Mohs which is 1 day. I think I'd rather use Mohs as it is quicker. Have you heard which is better?

@mustsell Let's see what type of basal cell skin cancer it is, first. I would ask her the reasons behind her desire to use radiation, and how that treatment would be different from MOHS procedure.

I have had several MOHS procedures done. The most complicated one was a nodular basal cell located on my right collarbone, that had tentacles spread under the skin. It took 5 passes to remove all of it. I have a cool lightning strike looking scar as a result!

When will you get the biopsy results back?
Ginger

I've had many basal and squamous cell skin cancers over the years. The Mohs is definitely best for the face as the scarring is minimal. One dermatologist removed a squamous cell cancer from my lower leg, did not stitch it and it took months to heal into a huge scar surrounded with brown skin. It's horrible. My advice is to always have Mohs. Never heard of radiation except for the cream for pre cancer. Good luck. ❤

It's called Superficial Radio Therapy (SRT).

Hopefully soon. She doesn't do Mohs. She would have to refer me to someone who does. She uses Image Guided Superficial Radio Thetapy (SRT)

If you go for a Mohs consult it is helpful if you have a photo of the original biopsy site on your phone or
EHR. Forehead cancers are a good site for Mohs
healing. Radiation will generally cause several weeks of
inflammation in the healing process. SRT is helpful for
people on blood thinners or risk of bleeding. Check to
see if your surgeon is fellowship trained and certified.

Thank you

She is not trained in MOHS, and only has a radiation therapist do it. She said there is limited skin on the forehead to utilize MOHS.