"Getting Treatment for a Basal Cell Carcinoma"

November 2024

I was concerned about a pink, rough patch of skin on my upper back. It had been there for some time. Doctors had told me to 'monitor' it.  Finally, a locum doctor referred me to the Skin Lesion Clinic in Truro and I was seen within a few days. I was told it needed to be removed.

February 2025

I was texted and sent a letter by the Dermatology Unit at Treliske in February, with a date for the minor op.  I confirmed my attendance on the  but in March I was called and told they had no record of my confirmation.  I pointed out that I had already confirmed but did so again.

April 2025

I attended my minor op.  I had a different consultant from the one stated in my letter.  However, she gave me a very clear explanation of the procedure for the op and welcomed and dealt with my questions. 

Before the op a nurse gave me leaflets about wound care advice and sun protection. I was concerned about wound care as the site of the carcinoma was on my upper back on my left side and I am left handed.  I live alone. I did not know how I would manage the observing and cleaning/managing of the dressing.  It would have been useful for me to see this information prior to the procedure. 

However, I have since been able to make an appointment to see nurses to do the change of dressing and removal of stitches at my GP surgery.  I am 70 but this was the first time that I had had a procedure that required stitches.