First time BCC diagnosis and anxious about worse skin cancers to come

I`m sorry you are going through this. Maybe take one thing at a time, have this removed and see how things are. I recently had Mohs surgery for Squamous cell ,surgery was ok, recovery uncomfortable for maybe 2 days but fine since. Maybe that`s all you will have . Take care of yourself.

@iva71: I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis but I'm glad you reached out to Mayo Clinic Connect where I believe you'll receive some helpful information and support, and perhaps someday feel free to share your insights from treatment with others.

I have to say I've been in your shoes, having had unprotected sun exposure in my youth and going on to be diagnosed with BCC (basal cell carcinoma) in my early 40's. First. it's important not to blame ourselves as little was known then about the longterm effects of such ultaviolet light exposure; secondly, just because you've been identified as having this one BCC now does not necessarily mean you'll be subject to more serious or advanced skin cancers in the future...but it does help you become more aware of what to be looking for and how to practice improved skin protection going forward. This is an excellent such guide: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/simple-steps-to-prevent-skin-cancer

I also underwent the procedure to which you're referring - a shave and burn, also known as an "ED&C" or electrodissection and curretage - this past summer. I've had them previously and have not found them to be uncomfortable as the area is numbed first, similar to when you had the biopsy. This document explains BCC and assorted treatments: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354193.

Chemotherapy is not the standard first line of treatment even for the most advanced type of skin cancer as immunotherapy has made remarkable stides as intervention in such cases and is not associated with the same side-effects as chemo, such as nausea and vomiting. However, since you have indicated you have a phobia, this is something worth noting and discussing with your medical provider as in some cases medications can be prescribed to circumvent the incidence of this occurring.

Can you let me know if this information helps, and also how your procedure goes?

@iva71
Having had about 10 BCC (basal cell carcinoma) and one SCC removed can give you some experience with this.

First skin cancer is very common. Not a medical doctor but please talk to your doctor. Skin cancer (except for melanoma) is slow growing and usually does not metastasize like other cancers. Does not mean it can't. The major concern with BCC is that left untreated it can grow into other tissues, bones, organs, and then surgery to get it out is quite serious.

Again usually very slow growing and very very common. Success rates for removing BCC is really high.

You mentioned your anxiety and panic disorder. I have that and practice deep breathing and knowing this cancer is highly treatable and the most common cancer in today's society along with the most curable rates.

Where you offered MOHS surgery? It is a type of surgery where they remove the biopsied area and pathologists looks to see if all cancer cells are removed. If not then they come back and rmove more and it continues until all gone.

MOHS is there to keep only removing the needed sking tissue to a minumum. I had no pain (injection of pain killer in area) and the procedure was painless and quick. Only one time did the surgeon have to come back and take more tissue and that was for a SCC NOT a BCC.

Do some research on your own. Very common cancer and highly curable when caught early. That should help you not worry so much about a highly common skin cancer and a highly curable one.

I was blown away with my BCC diagnosis. It does something to you….but…it got better. I read about it and learned that I was getting treated and would be fine. I had Mohs surgery since it was on my temple. It went fine and is gone. I am very diligent about my skin screenings and sunscreen now.

I know a lot of people who have had multiple BCCs. They are doing fine. So am I.

Thank you everyone. This is very helpful.
Does anyone know of a non-toxic lotion with a therapeutic amount of Niacinamide or Nicotinamide that has no harmful ingredients at all? I can’t seem to find one on the EWG app/website. Seems like all the ones (even referred through skin cancer prevention info websites) I find have at least one problematic ingredient.

iva71: I'm glad the information posted by our members has been helpful and of benefit in allaying your concerns as well as providing guidelines as far as ongoing skin surveillance and sun protection.

When you write about lotion, may I assume you're referring to sunscreen? When I had been conducting nursing research, I tended to rely on medically based organizations as they create their medical guidelines by carefully reviewing the available evidence from resources such as national and international guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and evidence-based databases. Their staffs then blends this information with clinical experience to including weighing the quality and limits of the evidence, combining findings with patient experiences, resource availability, and potential risks and benefits. I am uncertain if EWG has this ability, therefore I am unable to comment specifically on their app.

So what I can offer in regard to sunscreens are the following guidelines issued by each: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/myth-or-fact-coconut-is-an-effective-sunscreen and
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen
I've recently learned that Mayo has an online shop offering products they endorse, which includes mineral sunscreen alternatives, so you may find this of service: https://store.mayoclinic.com/body-and-skin-care/sun-protection.html

Perhaps you can find some products there?

I'm 59 with a zillion sunburns under my belt. BCC on my ear, shit insurance and shit doctor who misdiagnosed it so now I've had it 5 years. It's responding well to immunotherapy but of course with the length of time I'm concerned about metastasizing and we're investigating that.

If you're at "shave and burn" stage you've got a long way before it's serious. Breathe! And be smart: eliminate sugar, manage stress and sleep, work with a professional, use sunblock 🙂

A sunblock is not sunscreen. My Mayo dermatologist suggested sun block with Zinc. Just watch for added ingredients when you pick sunblock.

The zinc will be white and sticky. However, it works great to block UV rays. I have used it for many years now after the scare many years ago about sunscreens causing cancer. There were ingredients in them that were found to cause or promote cancer.

Hi,
First i like to provide a note i am not a Dr only a person that like to learn what my 83 years old mother got (aggressive BCC in the ear canal) .
I recommend to take it easy , the best thing is to have annual check of the skin and when traced to remove using Mohs Micrographic Surgery.
If BCC is not deep < ~2mm you may like to review photodynamic therapy (PDT) with a professional Dr.
In aggressive BCC as far as i know you can use biological treatment as first line and immunotherapy treatments as second line .
As far as i know immunotherapy should be second line of treatment since side effects may not stop when you stop the treatment.

Please note the biological treatment may have some nasty side effects 🙁 that ends when you stop again find a good Dr.

In my point of view the best is to avoid the SUN / Use Appropriate clothing / Hat and don't gamble 100% on sun screens etc.

Good luck