POSTED UNDER Mohs Surgery REVIEWS
Waiting for Mohs Surgery After Unexpected Discovery of Bcc on Skin Fold Upper Right Lip - Melbourne, Australia
ORIGINAL POST
Wnt to doctor for routine filler/botox and was...
BoroniaApril 15, 2011
$4,000
Wnt to doctor for routine filler/botox and was asked about a sore I had on my upper lip . I informed the nurse it was ecsma . She told me that she didnt think that was correct and sent me straight away for biopsy which came back the next day positive to infiltrating ulcerating bcc. With a depth of atleast mid dermis possibly more.
Have seen dermatologist who then referred me to a Mohs surgeon who booked me in for urgent surgery 16th May. The only skin cancer I ever new about was melenoma. I have had this sore for at least 4 years of being sore and bleeding. Who knows how long I had it before then.
I suppose now I am surfing the net trying to find out as much information as possible. It is scary not knowing how much they will need to cut out until the day. Is my bcc a normal easy one or is it going to be a more difficult deep procedure.?? Is the mid dermis deep far down and how far in 5 years could it spread under my skin.?? So many questions??
Replies (41)
May 3, 2011
Hello,
I had a spot on my forehead that I ignored for several years. It would bleed, heal and was a bit bigger in diameter than a pencil eraser. I went to a dermatologist clinic to participate in a clinical trial for a Clarisonic. Luckily a PA checked my face, told me he thought I had cancer and scheduled me for a biopsy the next day. That was in February. I had the MOHS procedure on April 19th. I went through four stages before they got it all..a LONG day. I was there from 9 to 5. So I still have stitches, they come out Friday. I think because it is on your lip I would be asking if plastic surgery would be needed. I would is from mid fore head to hair line, they stitched up and down. It was pretty deep and even now I don't like looking at it. My biggest gripe with this procedure is BEING AWAKE! I think I would have done much better with twilight sedation or something. Keep us posted.
I had a spot on my forehead that I ignored for several years. It would bleed, heal and was a bit bigger in diameter than a pencil eraser. I went to a dermatologist clinic to participate in a clinical trial for a Clarisonic. Luckily a PA checked my face, told me he thought I had cancer and scheduled me for a biopsy the next day. That was in February. I had the MOHS procedure on April 19th. I went through four stages before they got it all..a LONG day. I was there from 9 to 5. So I still have stitches, they come out Friday. I think because it is on your lip I would be asking if plastic surgery would be needed. I would is from mid fore head to hair line, they stitched up and down. It was pretty deep and even now I don't like looking at it. My biggest gripe with this procedure is BEING AWAKE! I think I would have done much better with twilight sedation or something. Keep us posted.
May 5, 2011
thank you for your reply. The description of your spot it exactly the same as mine. I have had it for at least 4 years that I can remember it bleeding and scabbing and bleeding again. Thought I was just run down. My Mohs surgeon is also a plastic surgeon so I know I am in good hands. But it is the time between surgery to full recovery and how much they will need to cut out. I guess with what you are describing and everything I have read so far , I will probably be in for the same experience. How deep was your tumour. The biopsy on mine says to at least the mid dermis. Was that the same for yours. I will keep you posted as the day draws nearer. Cheers
May 21, 2011
Hi there, I hope you are doing well. I am guessing you had the V-Y (previously Island Pinacle)on your repair. I had two small bumps on tissue between my right nostril and upper lip (started as a small scaly red spot seven years ago). I had three stages of Moh's 8 1/2 weeks ago. Swelling and bruising first couple of weeks. My stitches were taken out at 6 days. Probably could have been out one day sooner to prevent rail road tracks I have. Quality of healing is partially determined by genetics. I still have a puffy pin cushion deformity which with massaging should improve. I hope you are a non smoker. Smoking impedes healing more than anything else. Eat healthy and drink plenty of water. My nose and upper lip were pulled to the right to cover the hole. Still pulling to the right but I have firm lumps underneath and hoping that as they soften the nose and lip will return to their original positions.
Take care! Hope to hear from you.
Take care! Hope to hear from you.
May 30, 2011
Thanks for your reply. Yes I had my surgery 2 weeks ago today. Had two Moh's procedures wound ended up being 2.5cm long and 1.5cm wide. My plastic surgeon did a couple of procedures to correct the wound so it wouldn't pull my lip up. Just had stitches out at ten days , now have to wear a tape for another two weeks which is annoying. But it looks good . Still a bit puffy but not too much . I am looking forward to seeing it after the tape is removed for good. I am a non smoker and I will take on your advice of eating healthy. Thankyou and will keep you updated. Cheers :)
May 30, 2011
Hello again! I am feeling better about how it looks. Seemed to take a long time but in reality had it done 4/19/11 . Once I get my hair done (with bangs) I will feel "human" again. Hope you are well and I will post again soon. Peace!
May 30, 2011
Thanks for your reply. Yes I had my surgery 2 weeks ago today. Had two Moh's procedures wound ended up being 2.5cm long and 1.5cm wide. My plastic surgeon did a couple of procedures to correct the wound so it wouldn't pull my lip up. Just had stitches out at ten days , now have to wear a tape for another two weeks which is annoying. But it looks good . Still a bit puffy but not too much . I am looking forward to seeing it after the tape is removed for good. I am a non smoker and I will take on your advice of eating healthy. Thankyou and will keep you updated. Cheers :)
August 2, 2011
Hi just had Mohs surgery on my upper lip on left side of cupids bow. They found no cancer at all but to repair the incision I have had all of my cupids bow taken and most of the central part of my lip.
I am totally disillusioned with the whole procedure. I was told a good Mohs result meant no drastic surgery but here I am feeling like there was absolutely no need to take what has been taken. I feel I look stupid so will probably have to have further corrective surgery. I hope yours is healing well.
I am totally disillusioned with the whole procedure. I was told a good Mohs result meant no drastic surgery but here I am feeling like there was absolutely no need to take what has been taken. I feel I look stupid so will probably have to have further corrective surgery. I hope yours is healing well.
March 13, 2012
Dear Mitra: As I write this, I will get my stitches out tomorrow, March 14, 2012. The Moh's surgeon had to do two passes and I believe I have lost the bow of my lip as well. The Plastic Surgeon did a great job stitching me up. He took longer with that than the actual surgery. He did have to take more on either end so as there would not be puckering. The "columns" under my nose will now be closer with a fine scar between. I'm very nervous about getting the stitches out. Did you have further corrective surgery? I don't want to go through this again, but I'm still swollen and my top lip looks like a blob - very Daffy Duck. I hope you are well and thank you for sharing your story!
March 14, 2012
It will be one year on March 23, 2012 since my surgery. I lost the right side of my cupid's bow. I have recently been to a renowned plastic surgeon and he advised no further surgery because it would just mean more scaring. Disappointing, but I am grateful for lip liner and lipstick to correct artificially the best I can.
Hi Boronia,
Welcome to the Mohs Surgery community. Oh my, I'm so sorry. The bright side is your doctor was persistent and careful and she found out what this was, hopefully before it's too late. I'm glad about that. Please keep us updated as May 16th is approaching.
Thanks you for the review,
-Britt