I’m interrupting the regular scheduled programming here on Middle Aged Mama, to give you an important health reminder.
Yesterday I had a skin cancer cut out of my nose – most likely a Basal Cell Carcinoma – although we will have to wait for the pathology results next week for that to be confirmed.
Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma
The public health promotions have done their job, and like most Australians, I knew about the importance of keeping an eye on moles and going for regular skin checks. We see and hear much about melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
What we don’t hear so much about, is Basal Cell Carcinoma, one of the most common skin cancers.
I first noticed a slightly darkened area on the side of my nose in the many photos we took while holidaying in Europe earlier this year. At first I thought it was perhaps some spider veins or just one of those things – the many lumps and bumps we tend to develop as part of the ageing process.
In the past couple of weeks, the texture of this area of skin was noticeably different – quite scaly and dry – prompting me to book an appointment with my doctor.
Basal Cell Carcinoma On Nose
And that is what basal cell carcinoma on the nose (or anywhere) looks like – a slightly different, rough, or darkened patch of skin. On some people it may look “pearly” around the edges.
Hence the reason I am sitting here now, with stitches in my nose, where the trouble spot was. Depending on the pathology results, I may need more removed …
My doctor explained to me that Basal Cell Carcinoma develops in the bottom (basal) layer of the skin – so what you see on the skin surface, is like the tip of an iceberg. They most commonly occur in the “T” zone of the face, the upper chest and shoulders (which are exposed to the sun the most).
These were all things I had never realised about skin cancer before – hence the reason for this post – because I believe it’s important that every Australian knows just what Basal Cell Carcinoma looks like.
Now I am no expert in skin cancer, I can only share my experiences, so if you would like to find out more about the incidence of skin cancer in Australia, and the signs to look for, head to the Cancer Council website.
Have you ever had a skin cancer? Did you know that the signs of skin cancer to watch for are more than just irregular, growing, or bleeding moles?!
UPDATE 16.10.15:
I’ve just had a phone call from the doctor, and apparently is is a Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) rather than a BCC. It looks like it may have gone deeper than first thought so I am seeing a specialist on Tuesday. Wish me luck!
UPDATE 17.02.16:
I’ve shared a series of photos from my treatment for the SCC on my nose that you can view in this post.
UPDATE 11.05.16:
You might be interested in checking out this post, if you would like to see pictures of Basal Cell Carcinoma on the ear, and how it looks following surgery including a skin graft. Not for the squeamish!
UPDATE 24.07.18
In December I noticed a little sore on my cheek. At first I thought I must have picked at a pimple (yep still get them at 50), but when it hadn’t healed after a month or so I became suspicious – and yes, turns out it was indeed a BCC. This is what it looked like:
I saw a cosmetic surgeon to have it removed in February, which you can read about in my post BCC Be Gone: Skin Cancer, Surgery and Scars.
Thanks for sharing this info Janet. I’ve had a lot of experience with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and lost my Dad to melanoma. You can never be too careful – if in doubt, get it checked. If the doctors tells you not to worry about it and you still feel unsure, get another opinion – that could have saved my Dad’s life!
I’ve just heard from the doctor and it’s turned out to be a SCC that needs further investigation – I’m seeing a specialist on Tuesday 🙁
Glad to see you are smiling although I expect it hides a certain amount of angst. I hope the results next week are good x I’ve had a melanoma removed from my back and another suspect one on my shoulder so I’m very aware of sun damage these days.
You know I really wasn’t worried – until the doctor rang me before to say it’s actually a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and needs further investigation! Seeing a specialist on Tuesday.
Thinking of you Janet. That’s not what we wanted to hear 🙁 Always worrying. Wishing you all the best on Tuesday xx I’ve had a melanoma on my back and a second suspect mole removed from my shoulder. Another skin check coming up. Not looking forward to it.
Thanks for sharing Janet. I need to go for another check up.
I’m wishing now that I’d realised it was something to get checked, earlier. Just found out it’s a squamous cell carcinoma and I have to see a specialist next week x
oh my gosh Janet! Good thing you were onto it! Hope everything goes well at the specialist appointment!
Thinking of you!
x
Thanks Zita … I seriously didn’t think it was anything until it went a bit rough and scaly last week. Glad I didn’t muck about!
I had one on my driver’s side cheek and I think I have another one now on the other cheek. I know what you mean about lumps, bumps and spider veins. I want to go and have mine zapped.
I made an appointment for the hubster when I was there as I was *sure* he had a skin cancer on his ear, and I’m glad I did – yup, 2 BCCs on his ear, and 3 little skin cancers on his back which will be removed tomorrow. I’d been nagging him to get checked for ages, but you know what men are like!
I have had 2 melanomas cut out which thankfully were at a very early stage. Skin checks are so important. Luckily they are making such advancements in treatments and detection. I know it is a worrying time for you and send you best wishes. All we can do is be diligent and spread the skin care message.
That must have been frightening Di, I’m definitely thankful mine is “only” an SCC rather than melanoma. I’ve been prescribed a chemotherapy cream for 6 weeks to get rid of the cancer cells, it was caught early enough that hopefully this will be all the treatment I need. On the downside, it will get worse (looking) before it gets better, but I figure it’s a small price to pay!