How serious should I take basal cell cancer removed from my nose?

Question

I recently had small area removed from my nose...that came back as basal cell cancer from the biopsy. The Dr now wants to go in and work on the area more. My issue is he requires $950 up front for the procedure, because my health insurance has high deductible. It's entirely possible that the basal cell was removed with the first procedure. How likely are the risks and my chances that it will cause more problems.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

First: find a different doctor, one interested in you and not in his fee. Next, find a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon to remove your skin cancer. Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of all treatments for skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma, and spares the greatest amount of normal tissue. Your area of the country has numerous fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons who are excellent doctors. Visit the American College of Mohs Surgery's website to find one in your area and check patient reviews to help you make a selection. A biopsy is done simply to confirm the diagnosis of skin cancer. There is generally no intention of removing the entire tumor even though that can happen. Even though nothing may be visible to you, it doesn't mean there is no more tumor still present. A prudent Mohs surgeon who can't find evidence that tumor still exists may choose to observe the area rather than proceed with surgery, or may need to do another biopsy for verification.

Jason R. Litak, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

Basal Cell Carcinoma is a locally destructive type of skin cancer that is notorious for recurrence when not adequately treated. It can become quite disfiguring if left untreated, especially when located in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the nose. Typically this type of skin biopsy is performed for diagnosis and is not adequate treatment for a skin cancer. Biopsies sample a portion of the lesion, leaving some behind. This type of "sampling" biopsy is not intended to remove the entire lesion. It is not advisable to leave a known skin cancer untreated as it will likely grow and become more of a problem to remove in the future. Mohs micrographic surgery allows for 100% margin control and is tissue-sparing, which means it offers the highest cure rate while preserving as much normal tissue as possible.

How serious should I take basal cell cancer removed from my nose?

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How serious should I take basal cell cancer removed from my nose?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.