A dermatologist told me I have some precancerous areas on my nose and cheeks, and she mentioned that I might like to try a cream to get rid of them. But she said the cream would cause my face to get a very angry red, and that the lesions might be very sore. I'd look like I was napalmed for awhile. I don't know whether I want to try this. I'm in the public eye at work all the time. Have any of you tried it?

Sounds like Aldara. I am using it now on my forehead. After 10 days of aggressive use my forehead looks terrible! Everything around the area broke out as well. Good thing I have bangs to hide it all. Not sure I would want to do it anywhere else on my face. I also use Aldara on my chest and shoulders and it does the same thing.

Hi

My mother used a cream for just a v.small patch on her upper arm which had a pre-cancerous spot. She was warned that it would get worse before it got better which it did. She had to apply the cream for 6 weeks. It was sore and looked sore too but it healed up very quickly after the 6 weeks was up and her skin looks normal so no scarring.

regards
Ktee

The other spot I used it on was on my chest. It worked well using it after the biopsy sight healed. Then I applied the Aldara. Worked great!! Only left a little white scar that is not even noticable. The spots I am now using it on have not been biopsied so I am a bit hesitant as to whether or not it is working as well. It also scares be a bit b/c I really am not sure what kind of basal cell I am dealing with. I have had the aggressive form in the past. Aldara is not recomended for these types........

Loook into photodynamic therapy, which is an effective method for eliminating precancers. I think in New Zealand, it's also used for basal cells. If I get another precancerous spot, I am going to seek it out. I've seen results online and they've looked much more cosmetically pleasing than surgery or creams. From what I could tell, you'll look red and nasty for about a week...but like I said, look into it yourself. If you find out any information, plese post here.

Some feedback, please!!I have 2 small nodular bcs on my face that are going to removed by a plastic surgeon. I've had this done before so I know what to expect. I also have a small superficial bc on my nose and the derm wants me to try Aldara. She said the results for this type of skin cancer are pretty positive. She wants me to avoid being cut if possible ,because it would be the mohs. She wants me to try this first. I have done some research on Aldara and it seems to depend alot on your own skin as to how you react to the medicine. The derm wants to preserve as much tissue as possible on the nose. She seems to think that the bc could be gone if I can get through the treatment. I've followed this board off and on and really appreciate the information all of you post. I would love any info offered. From what I understand the results from using Aldara can be remarkable if the area can tolerate the treatment. Thanks balleteach

Balle, it sounds like you've done all the research, so I'm not sure what kind of feedback you'd like. We're all here to support you.

If the spots are precancerous, I would look into photodynamic therapy.

Thanks for the reply. The biopsy confirmes small superficial bc on nose. I was curious to know if anyone has tried this on that area of the face. I have done a lot of research and hope I get a good result. If it works, I won't need surgery. It's worth some discomfort for awhile to get rid of the bc. The statistics look good.
I'll keep posting with updates. Thanks, balleteach