Have had three removed from my face. The first was close to the eye, and due to appointment cancellations to get it diagnosed (18 years ago), was large - and so was removed and some skin from another area of my face was sewn on to the area (plastic surgery). As I worked in a hospital at the time, I was not permitted back to work for the week until the dressing was removed (they were nervous about me getting an infection in the wound). All was well and except that area is a slightly paler colour than the rest of my face is.
Next one, (couple of years later) was just cut out and a two or three stitches put in. Cannot even remember exactly where on my face it was.
Third one was a little more peculiar in the way it presented. No spot, etc. just a small area on my forehead that was pale. My original visit to the GP and I saw a very young, new Doctor who tried to dismiss me as being a hysterical. I made him consult with his senior, who pointed out to him that as I had a previous two BCC's fairly recently, anything unusual on my skin should be checked by a dermatologist.
When I saw that Consultant, they thought it was probably nothing, but did take a small section for biopsy.
I was convinced nothing was wrong, as time went on, went to get results of that test, with my weekly shopping bags in my car, ready to go direct on to Sainsbury's after hospital appointment.
Much to my astonishment, they told me it was positive and they want to do the removal straight away. This particular BCC had gone downwards, not pushed upwards. It was wide and deep, and resulted in a quite a long removal time, and eight stitches. Left me feeling quite poorly for 24 hours. All eventually did heal perfectly.
I am very aware of this now, and any unusual growth or changes to colour on my face are reported immediately to my GP and checked out by hospital.
Last time I had this done, the dermatology department used a special camera to determine whether or not some little wart type growths were BCC's. No need for taking sample now for biopsies.
