I Think I Have Basal Cell Carcinoma on my Chin?

I've had a crusting, never-healing sore on my chin, on the fleshy pad bit, just under my lip and slightly to the left, for over eleven years. Don't ask me why I never got it seen to, I'm so filled with regret now that I suspect it might be bcc. As its been going on for so long, I'm now terrified any surgery would be horribly disfiguring. Would it potentially take my lip away? Or even bone?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by LindsayLondon

Doctor Answers (5)
Community Comments (1)

What if I have basal cell cancer on my chin

First, stop worrying and beating yourself up. No matter what it is, that's not going to help. Second, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist (and Mohs surgeon if you can find one) and have the site biopsied. Only then will you know for certain what the site is or is not. At that point you can discuss options, should you need them. Mohs surgeons are skilled at reconstructions. That's part of the training. So there's a lot that can be done to minimize "disfigurement" as you... more

BCC chin

Lindsay. Even if it's been there for 11 years, sometimes these BCC don't grow as rapidly. Also the chin is an area that is not as difficult to reconstruct compared to other sites. Go in with a positive attitude. It might not be as bad as you think. I've had tons of patients who come in thinking they were gonna lose and ear or nose just to have a pretty minor surgery.

A biopsy will make the diagnosis

Pick up the phone and make an appointment to see a board certified dermatologist, preferably someone who is also a member of the Mohs College. The first step is to determine what the growth is so that the appropriate treatment and cure is selected. If this is a neglected BCC on your chin, Mohs will probably be the treatment of choice. Go to the MohsCollege.org to find a fellow in the Mohs College to do your surgery. Make that appointment! more

Steven Swengel, MD

3 reviews

Los Gatos Dermatologic Surgeon

www.RefinedMD.com

Next step

If you have a growth on your face, it should be evaluated by a dermatologist and he or she can advise you if it needs to be biopsied or not. That is best next step.

Steven Hacker, MD

3 reviews

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

Get an appointment for a dermatologist soon

I would recommend you get this evaluated by a board certified dermatologist as soon as possible. Given your story, it may well be a basal cell carcinoma. I understand how frightful this may be to you but delaying it will only make the cancer grow larger. If the dermatologist finds it to be worrisome and biopsies it, and it is a skin cancer, they should refer you to a Mohs and Reconstructive surgeon who can treat it with surgery in a way that minimizes how much skin you lose (take the cancer... more

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Comments (1)

San Jose711 6 May 2013

Dr, Steven Swengle in Los Gatos, treated my Basal Cell Carcinoma 23 years ago when he was practicing at Kaiser Hospital. I was scared to death that I had CANCER! He was very nice and gentle, and made me feel totally relaxed. His after-care treatment was just as professional. I plan on attending his open house this next Thursday, and re-aquaint myself.

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