Basal Cell Carcinoma

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talkhealth
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by talkhealth on Tue Feb 18, 2020 10:49 am

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Hi,
I’m 59, and had BCCs surgically removed from my nose, and around my nose in 2015, but my GP is referring me back to dermatology because he says it looks like they’ve returned.
Is it unusual for BCCs to return?
If so, why does this happen?
What will the treatment be, if his assessment is correct?
I have fair-ish skin, and take various prescribed medications (hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine & meloxicam, and previously methotrexate) for RA & osteoarthritis, and have previously been prescribed steroids for polymyalgia.
I’d appreciate your feedback.
Thanks,
Joanna
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Dr Anton Alexandroff
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by Dr Anton Alexandroff on Thu Feb 20, 2020 12:01 pm

Re: Basal Cell Carcinoma

Dear Joanna,

Thank you for your question. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) mar rarely recur - in about 5 to 10 percent of patients. If BCC recurs and it is on face or scalp it should be removed by micrographic (Mohs) surgery - which gives much smaller risk of recurrence (less than 1 percent of recurrence risk). If it is of interest you can read more about basal cell carcinomas and available treatments on my website http://www.alexandroff.org.uk/patients.html.

I hope this is helpful.
With Best Wishes,

Dr Anton Alexandroff FRCP(UK) PhD CCT(Derm) FRSM FAAD
Consultant Dermatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer
The British Skin Foundation Spokesperson
London, Cambridge, Leicester and Bedford

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Dr Anton Alexandroff
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Dr Vishal Madan
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by Dr Vishal Madan on Thu Feb 20, 2020 5:16 pm

Re: Basal Cell Carcinoma

Dear Joanna,

The risk of recurrence of Basal Cell Carcinomas is dependant on factors such as clinical and histological nature of Basal Cell Carcinoma, type of treatment undertaken, history of immunosuppression. It would seem from your question that you had central facial Basal Cell Carcinoma and a history of immunosuppression as you were on Methotrexate previously. This increases the likelihood of recurrence. If available in your region, ask to be referred for Mohs micrographic surgery. Of course, the Basal Cell Carcinoma may not have returned so a biopsy may be the next best option.

More info on
https://www.everythingskin.co.uk/mohs-surgery/

Best wishes

Vishal

Dr. V Madan, M.B.B.S (Hons), M.D, FRCP, CCT Dermatology
President, British Medical Laser Association
Consultant Dermatologist and Clinical Director
Everything Skin Clinic
p: 01615091294
a: Suite B, Haw Bank House
Cheadle, SK8 1AL
w: http://www.everythingskin.co.uk e: info@everythingskin.co.uk
Dr Vishal Madan
Consultant Dermatologist - MBBS (Hons), MD, FRCP

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Dr Kapil Bhargava
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by Dr Kapil Bhargava on Thu Feb 20, 2020 10:59 pm

Re: Basal Cell Carcinoma

Dear Joanna,

Overall 1 in 20 basal cell carcinomas may recur over a five year period, so this is not unusual. The site and your background medical history may increase this risk.

For recurrent basal cell carcinomas, treating the recurrence with Mohs micrographic surgery is likely to give you the highest chance it will not recur in future, compared to other recognised treatment options.

Best wishes,
Dr Kapil Bhargava MBBS, FRCP(UK), FRCP(Derm), CCT Derm
Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatologic and Mohs Surgeon
London, UK

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... argava.php

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