Question:
I would really appreciate some advice s.n.s.p. on a problem of a
bcc(basal cell carcinoma-a common skin cancer) that was on my
scalp. It was removed but the experience was a major ordeal(heavy
duty sutures are left in the scalp for two weeks and it's very
painful), and now I find that I have a positive margin and I
have to go through another surgery to remove the remaining
malignant segment. My question is whether I could just wait
to check if the tumor returns and then have it removed(some-
times they don't return) or resign myself and get it done
now. I've had 2 opinions for now and 1 to wait. I'd really
appreciate any input from someone with a similar experience.
Prefer posted reply or contact me at above.
Answer:
I can't say about your particular case, but I'll speak generally
about basal cell cancer of the scalp. In short, cure the damn thing while
you can! With positive margins, recurrence is likely. It will be harder
to measure the extent of the disease in the future (since it will be
admixed with the scar of this surgery). Future surgery will not be easier
than surgery now.
I am currently treating a woman whose basal cell cancer was not
treated when it was curable. It has grown into her skull! Admittedly,
that is rare. But the reason it is rare is because the vast majority of
tumors are properly treated surgically.
The above is general information, not a prescription for any
individual.
