[PJMommy]

Hi all,
I usually haunt the student nursing board but have come to visit due to some distressing news. The "pimple" I teased my husband about 10 days ago grew rapidly to a pea-sized growth on his face (at the hairline near the temple area). He visited a dermatologist today and learned that he has basal cell carcinoma.

Based on my reading, I know basal cell is relatively common as compared to the other types of skin cancer and that it has a very high cure rate. However, I'm a little concerned about two things. First, my husband is only 33 y/o. He is not a "sun-god", has never used the horrible tanning beds and wears SPF 30 every time he is in the sun for any period of time. He's of German descent but isn't unusually fair, no freckles, brown hair, and never "burns" in the sun. Is this unusual?? Particularly given his age and relative lack of risk factors?

Secondly, every thing I've read about basal cell carcinoma is that it is a "slow growing" cancer. If so, I'm worried that this carcinoma went from the size of a pimple to a pea in less than 10 days. Could we be dealing with something a little more evil than BCC? (More tests to be done....)

Sorry...I know I can ask the dr. when I see her (didn't go with him today ) but I can't keep fretting for another week until his next appointment. If you know anything, please share.

Thanks,
PJ

[caroladybelle]

Presumably, the lesion is to be removed and tested for a definitive diagnosis of Basal Cell Ca?

BCC is generally easily treated and rarely requires more than removal. Most oncos don't even keep stats on them. Perhaps at most, topical treatment. I have only seen 1 hospital case, a patient that had left it without treatment for like 25 years and the lesions were extensive and required plastics care.

Just because your SO does not appear high risk and has taken precautions, does not mean that he can't have BCC. However, a definitive diagnosis can only occur with a tissue biopsy (generally, removal of the lesion and examination by a pathologist). Has this been done yet? And when this is done, if the lesion appears suspicious, the pathology will determine need for further treatment.

[PJMommy]

Thank you for the reply. We actually received a call today and the final pathology indicates it is not BCC -- instead it turns out to be squamous cell. Sigh... He'll go back next week for what I assume is additional biopsy. All I know is that they've told him to stop taking aspirin until his appointment. Fortunately, I have a "free" workday without classes this week and can attend the appointment.

Thank you again for your response.

[cheerfuldoer]

((((((PJMommy and hubby))))))

My thoughts are with you both. Hope all turns out well for your hubby. Stay strong!

[kids]

Thoughts and prayers for you & your husband.

I did want to mention that just a couple of severe sunburns as a child can drasticly increase the odds of developing a skin ca.

My almost 37 yo husband lived his first 33 years on the plains of Oklahoma. He has developed a lesion on the edge of his nose. He refuses to have it seen.

[Shed13911]

PJ Mommy and hubby:

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Any cancer scare is never easy. You always know how serious it can be. I pray that God helps you through this and all will be well for you both. Good luck and God bless you both!!