1. < Cancer

Laser treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Posted by sherold @sherold, Apr 11 8:56pm

Hello! I have recently been diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma from a biopsy of a small lesion on my upper lip. MOHs has been recommended, but I am wondering if Mayo does pulsated dye laser treatment for nodular bcc? Or if anyone has had that as an alternative treatment?

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mermaid7272 | @mermaid7272 | Apr 19 9:35am
In reply to @baz10 "I had a biopsy done on a basal cell cancer against my lower left eyelid and..." + (show)
@baz10

I had a biopsy done on a basal cell cancer against my lower left eyelid and the Dermatologist wanted to do MOHS, (which I have had done on my shoulder) but I was concerned that being so close to my eye, perhaps an opthamologist should do the surgery. I do not want to be "put to sleep" due to other medical concerns and the MOHS would not require me to be, but the eye surgeon said it would be brutal not to be, so has anyone ever had this type of surgery near the eye and who did you trust to do it? Thanks.
BAZ10

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baz10--- Wow, I can't imagine NOT being put to sleep for such surgery that near to your eye.

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Apr 19 12:35pm
In reply to @baz10 "I had a biopsy done on a basal cell cancer against my lower left eyelid and..." + (show)
@baz10

I had a biopsy done on a basal cell cancer against my lower left eyelid and the Dermatologist wanted to do MOHS, (which I have had done on my shoulder) but I was concerned that being so close to my eye, perhaps an opthamologist should do the surgery. I do not want to be "put to sleep" due to other medical concerns and the MOHS would not require me to be, but the eye surgeon said it would be brutal not to be, so has anyone ever had this type of surgery near the eye and who did you trust to do it? Thanks.
BAZ10

Jump to this post

@baz10 I recently had MOHS on my left nostril, so not too far from my eye. We used a local anesthetic only. A couple of years ago I had MOHS on my left eyebrow, also with local anesthetic only. Did the eye surgeon explain why "it would be brutal"? Both of the surgeries I mentioned were done by a doctor who specializes in MOHS.
Ginger

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1 reply
mermaid7272 | @mermaid7272 | Apr 20 7:44am
In reply to @gingerw "@baz10 I recently had MOHS on my left nostril, so not too far from my eye...." + (show)
@gingerw

@baz10 I recently had MOHS on my left nostril, so not too far from my eye. We used a local anesthetic only. A couple of years ago I had MOHS on my left eyebrow, also with local anesthetic only. Did the eye surgeon explain why "it would be brutal"? Both of the surgeries I mentioned were done by a doctor who specializes in MOHS.
Ginger

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Ginger, I had one of my Moh's on my upper nose, right by my eye & it was not "comfortable",
but having surgery on one's eyelid is another matter! My one nose procedure was in an area that has hardly any flesh, just some skin & bone. Maybe I'm a big baby!!!!
I don't know if some of Moh's procedures are done while asleep, I will ask the surgeon, as I have another appointment in a few weeks.
Good luck to all of us!

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1 reply
sher8262 | @sher8262 | Apr 20 7:57am
In reply to @baz10 "I had a biopsy done on a basal cell cancer against my lower left eyelid and..." + (show)
@baz10

I had a biopsy done on a basal cell cancer against my lower left eyelid and the Dermatologist wanted to do MOHS, (which I have had done on my shoulder) but I was concerned that being so close to my eye, perhaps an opthamologist should do the surgery. I do not want to be "put to sleep" due to other medical concerns and the MOHS would not require me to be, but the eye surgeon said it would be brutal not to be, so has anyone ever had this type of surgery near the eye and who did you trust to do it? Thanks.
BAZ10

Jump to this post

Yes, definitely get a second opinion and seek advice from an ophthalmology clinic. It is a complicated surgery which may require, as in my case, a tissue transplant. Two years ago, an experienced University of Miami dermatologist, Dr. Jennifer Tang, successfully removed Basal Cell Carcinoma from my left lower eyelid using MOHS. I was awake but heavily sedated. It took 3 passes to remove the carcinoma. However, it's closing the incision and healing that's difficult.
Previous to the surgery at Jackson Memorial, it was arranged for me to have reconstructive surgery --within hours afterwards -- at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, where Dr. Brian Tse remarkably was able to reconstruct my tearduct and lower eyelid. I was blessed and I know it! Please seek a second opinion at a teaching hospital with experienced professionals!

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1 reply
sher8262 | @sher8262 | Apr 20 8:09am
In reply to @mermaid7272 "Ginger, I had one of my Moh's on my upper nose, right by my eye &..." + (show)
@mermaid7272

Ginger, I had one of my Moh's on my upper nose, right by my eye & it was not "comfortable",
but having surgery on one's eyelid is another matter! My one nose procedure was in an area that has hardly any flesh, just some skin & bone. Maybe I'm a big baby!!!!
I don't know if some of Moh's procedures are done while asleep, I will ask the surgeon, as I have another appointment in a few weeks.
Good luck to all of us!

Jump to this post

I agree with you and Ginger. Reconstructive surgery may be needed for best healing.
I think it's best to seek a second opinion even for what may seem to be a brief, routine MOHS procedure.

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sher8262 | @sher8262 | Apr 20 8:13am

I was told laser was not a good alternative to MOHS for basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma of the nose or eye by the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

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mermaid7272 | @mermaid7272 | Apr 21 7:55am
In reply to @sher8262 "Yes, definitely get a second opinion and seek advice from an ophthalmology clinic. It is a..." + (show)
@sher8262

Yes, definitely get a second opinion and seek advice from an ophthalmology clinic. It is a complicated surgery which may require, as in my case, a tissue transplant. Two years ago, an experienced University of Miami dermatologist, Dr. Jennifer Tang, successfully removed Basal Cell Carcinoma from my left lower eyelid using MOHS. I was awake but heavily sedated. It took 3 passes to remove the carcinoma. However, it's closing the incision and healing that's difficult.
Previous to the surgery at Jackson Memorial, it was arranged for me to have reconstructive surgery --within hours afterwards -- at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, where Dr. Brian Tse remarkably was able to reconstruct my tearduct and lower eyelid. I was blessed and I know it! Please seek a second opinion at a teaching hospital with experienced professionals!

Jump to this post

All I can say is "WOW"

Glad you got such wonderful care

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