BASAL CELL CARCINOMA QUESTION

Calcgirl · ‎03-10-2010

I have been diagnosed with BCC on the front of my leg about 5 inches above my ankle. The dermatologist will be doing the scrape and burn procedure this upcoming week. She said it takes a long time for legs to heal. Has anyone here had this done and how long did it take to heal? I am 75 but in good health and do not have diabetes or poor blood circulation. However the biopsy has not healed and it has been over a week.

Thank you

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

@Calcgirl

I am almost 79 and had stitches on the back of my shoulder after having something cut out. Like you, I am in good health but it takes more than a week for healing.

Follow the post-procedure care and keep it covered only as they instruct you.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

I am not an expert on this kind of thing, but would it be better to wait until the biopsy has healed to proceed with more surgery?

shoesnbags · ‎03-10-2010

@Calcgirl

I've had several basal cell carcinomas removed, but none from my legs. They have always been removed by incision. I've never heard of "scrape and burn" for an actual skin cancer. My derm does burn off AK but always more agressive with anything that has progressed to cancer.

"Breathe in, breathe out, move on." Jimmy Buffett

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

I had my second basal cell carcinoma removed in 2019 but it was on my face right next to the first one, alongside my nose. You'd be horrified if you saw the selfies I took that night.

Because the face is loaded with blood vessels, it healed pretty fast, probably faster than a leg would have.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

I would think more in terms of 4+ weeks. I am very fair skinned, so every time the derm freeze burns something on me, it takes a good month or longer for total healing. Best wishes to you!

threecees · ‎09-22-2017

I also had two basal cell surgeries on each side of my nose in the last

several years. I had to be covered up for a very long time, a slow heal.

One side with a skin graft and the other was not. The side with a skin

graft healed much nicer than the opposite.

Hope everything turns out well for you.

LTT1 · ‎03-09-2010

@Calcgirl

Sorry to hear... and hope you heal quickly.
I'm sure they will advise, if not provide, special adhesives. But I wanted to mention a great new hydrocolloid "bandage" or "patch" called "Duoderm". It might be appropriate for you. It was recommended by my dermatologist.

~Have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit~

chiclets · ‎07-01-2012

It takes time to heal. Healing is different with each person. Healing can be different with each procedure.

I have had basil and squamous cells removed. They did not heal in the same length of time. The squamous had to be dug out.The one basil did not.

What was difficult was was removing the bandages and applying the medication every night and then bandage.

It does not heal overnight.

Somertime · ‎09-18-2010

I've had a number of Basil Cells removed from my leg usually on the bone the runs from the knee to the ankle because the skin is extremely thin in that area it takes quite awhile to heal. Nothing to worry about. I've had the procedure you did because to remove by incision is difficult in that area due to the lack of skin. I was diagnosed with skin cancer 35 years ago. I have had 3 melanomas removed and multiple basil cells. I have not been in the sun since I was 16! Unfortunately, I had to have radiation and as a result it escalated the skin cancer.

Everything will be fine, trust your doctor, he will monitor the healing and I am sure he will want to see you once a year. All the best to you.