BCC on the cheek - is Mohs the best option?

Mom's is the best option. The first 24/ 36 hrs afterwards is not easy as it feels like bees stinging your skin but then it gets easier. The wound heals fast but the scar takes time. With Mohs you know all the cancer is gone.

Mohs is the best option then you know that the cancer is gone. Healing takes a while and the scar will fade, try to have patience with this as it can be a bit frustrating at first.

Mohs is likely the best option. You can discuss it further with your dermatologist for factoring in the decision.
Variables such as your age and cosmetic outcome are important. An experienced Mohs surgeon can produce
fine cosmetic results and best cure rates. It can be reassuring if your doctor has chosen your referral after
working with the surgeon and appreciating his results for his patients. Radiation is multiple visits and healing
time as well. My scar is hard to find.

I’m not familiar with SRT, so I can’t comment on that. I had Moh’s by an extremely experienced surgeon who does them every day. My BCC was on my temple. It wasn’t a bad experience, though tiring because you wait a lot with so many others having the same procedure that day. Mine healed well and is undetectable. I would have it again if necessary.

I've had MOHS surgery in various places. Had a BCC on my lower right eyelid followed immediately by reconstructive surgery and my eye was sewn shut for six weeks. I don't have many eyelashes left but I can't see any scar. My daughter can see it if she looks close enough. Also had the surgery on each of my shins, which don't have much besides tight skin, and the scars are obvious three years on. The reconstruction surgery on the eyelid was not done by the MOHS surgeon, but a reconstruction surgeon several miles away in a couple hour, uncomfortable, surgery.

I'm in the home stretch of igsrt. Have received 16 treatments and nose where the both basal cell in located and squamous cell on nose tip are just pink in color right now. No cutting no scars. Yes you do go 3 times a week for 15minutes but the dermatology practice with Gentle Cure machine is very close to my home. After the images of post Moh's I've seen sent by a friend. I know I picked the best treatment available. My total will be 21 treatments. Check out this treatment since the cancer is on your face. Best of luck to you in your decision.

@sunnyday3105 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You have seen some great responses here, already. I agree with @seniormed that there are several factors involved when it comes to your treatment. Age, location of BCC, other health factors, etc.

Please don't be scared. Be grateful it was discovered now, and can be taken care of!
Ginger

Thank you so much for all comments so far - they are so appreciated. This is a little overwhelming, so very helpful to connect with others who have had a similar situation. ❤️

@sunnyday3105
I see you got a lot of comments on MOHS and helpful information.

Regretfully have a lot of experience with MOHS. Many BCCs, and SCCs, removed by MOHS.

MOHS is surgery. So with any surgery will take some numbing of area which requires needles. If I was going to identify the worse part of MOHS surgery is getting the numbing injection prior to surgery. HOWEVER, it provides the ability to have the surgery without any pain at all.

I see the cancer is on your BCC is on your cheek. I have had BCC on nose and other areas, and SCCs on head, arms, legs, well you get the idea and all were treated with MOHS.

I did not have any scars on my nose at all. Took some time to heal but gladly deal with it as MOHS surgery means you do not leave the office until all signs (done at pathology) of your cancer are gone in margins.

So I am in favor of MOHS and have no issues with any upcoming ones if needed. It really depends on how old and how much the BCCs and SCCs have grown and how old they are for the degree of surgery needed. But other than the numbing needles putting in numbing medications you won't feel the surgery other than feeling something happening.

I have just completed my 16th visit out of the required 21 with SRT. The brand name for SRT is Gentle Cure. I chose this because my BCC runs down the side of my nose and they say that is one of the most difficult places for surgery. I researched both MOHS and SRT and decided to go with the radiation treatment as I was worried about scarring and possible reconstructive surgery afterwards. When I started, I joined a thread like this one where many people spoke in favor of SRT. Try to find that one for more information. The treatment takes only minutes. Less time than getting your dental X-rays done. I have a red blotch on my nose that will fade with time. I have to apply creams on the area 4x a day. They do an ultrasound every time before treatment, and you can actually see the area of cancer decreasing and new healthy cells taking over. My friend's father had a spot on his face, and he opted for SRT and was quite happy with the results. Both MOHS and SRT are good treatments. Good luck with your decision - I know it is not easy...