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Warning-sign checks

Basal cell carcinoma: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    New weakness, vision changes, severe facial pain, or uncontrolled bleeding needs prompt medical assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up is used to check the treated area and look for new skin cancers.

    The timing of visits depends on the original tumor's risk features, treatment, immune status, and history of skin cancer.

    A clinician may recommend more frequent visits after a high-risk or recurrent BCC.

    Contact a clinician about a new growth, a changing spot, or a sore that does not heal rather than waiting for the next routine appointment.

    Sun protection does not replace follow-up examinations.

    It also does not mean avoiding all outdoor activity.

    The goal is to reduce UV exposure while continuing normal daily life.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for a stable scar and no new concerns.

    Request an earlier review if the treated area develops a persistent lump, ulcer, scale, bleeding, pain, or numbness.

The article also says

Between visits, examine the skin regularly in good light.

Include the scalp, ears, back, soles, between the toes, and other areas that are difficult to see.

A mirror or help from another person may be useful.

Protecting skin from UV radiation may reduce further damage:

Seek shade, especially when sunlight is intense.

Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on exposed skin, and reapply as directed.

Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.

Protect children from sunburn and excessive UV exposure.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Basal cell carcinoma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.