Basil Cell Carcinoma, penis shaft

[was_qwerty1]

Hello,

A few months back I posted a problem where I had a red sore on my penis shaft which wouldn't heal.  After going through my GP and a Urologist, (for about 9 months) I was examined by a dermatologist.  He did a biopsy and now tells me I have BCC.

He is recommending Cryosurgery and I am scheduled for this procedure in a couple weeks.

I have a few questions.

1) Should I seek a second opinion or are these biopsies 100% reliable?

2) How complete is the liquid nitrogen method?  I there a better
way to remove the cancer and minimize it's potential for return?  I read about other procedures like ED, C , Surgical, and Mohs which have various rates of reoccurance.  I want the best option and don't care how much it costs and where I have to go to get it.

3) The steriod (Fluticasone Prop Ointment, 0.005) he initially gave me cleared up the sore temporarily (as did a prior treatment of Chlotrimazole).  Does this make sense?  Would Steriods clear up BCC in this manner?

3) Why did I get this?  I'm ~40. Obviously I've had little sun
down there.

4) How long it the recovery period for this procedure?

5) What is the chance for it's return?

6) Should I expect more such sores over my body?

7) Is BCC likely to cause Penis pain all over the penis. I've been in constant pain for months.  Will removal of this sore ease the pain?

Sorry for the detailed questions, but my derm went on vacation when my tests came back and I was only able to talk with the nurse who seemed somewhat uninformed.  I've been fighting this for months and am at my wits end.   ;-(  ;-(

Please respond in detail.  This is really getting me down.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I have never seen a basal cell carcinoma on the penis, nor have I ever heard of one.  I would have another pathologist review the slides.  You can ask the dermatologist to arrange this after the vacation, or else you can see another dermatologist.  There is no rush, since basal cells do not spread.  If the diagnosis is confirmed, I would recommend surgery--Mohs or excision--rather than cryosurgery--both for effectiveness and for cosmetic appearance.  If you see a surgeon, you will learn the details about recovery time. The rate of recurrence after surgery is very low.  I don't know the precise risk for similar lesions elsewhere, but an annual checkup to have the whole body looked at makes sense.  I would be interested to know what you find out and eventually do.

This is a matter of concern, fo course, but eminently curable even if the diagnosis of basal cell is confirmed.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[was_qwerty1]

>There is no rush, since basal cells do not spread.

I am quite sure the nurse told me BCC.  (She commented there are three main types, BCC, SCC, and Melanoma.)  So, please confirm, if it takes me a couple/three weeks to get a completely new second opinion I will be under no additional risk.  I'd really like to be sure and the chance to obtain a second opinion would be very valuable indeed.  Perhaps they are wrong and I will worry the rest of my life awaiting a relapse.  If BCC doesn't spread I'd like to take my time on such a critical matter.

>I would recommend surgery--Mohs or excision--rather than
> cryosurgery

Thanks for the info

>I would be interested to know what you find out and eventually
> do.

I will let you know the outcome.

Thanks again for your information.