I‘ve never heard of chest cream for basal cell. or any chemo that is sold over the counter?

Did your doctor suggest this?

eta: maybe you are talking about topical chemotherapy?

Over the counter? I'm sorry if I mislead.

Yes, it's physician ordered topical cream

I can actually think of about three people off the top of my head that I know personally, so I thought it might pretty common? No?

Here's the combination of drugs and a link to an article (not my diagnosis) about the effectiveness: calcipotriol plus fluorouracil

I've had two basal cell and two squamous cell carcinomas removed from my face. (Mohs surgery for two of them.) I've never been offered a topical cream to use.

I have to say the before/after pictures are horrifying me. I'll do it. I'm more afraid of this escalating to a higher worry later on. The cream is supposed to get rid of it all. That is, any future occurrences in this area. I dread the day I'll have to apply it to my face. And it's coming.

:(

Rob, one of my BILs was given a topical cream to use on his sparsely haired top scalp for precancerous areas. It looked a little 'angry' for a few days but seems to have done the job. He had a sailboat for many years, and still has a boat but has given up the work associated with sailing, now motors on the water. And wears hats.

My husband has done his back, arms, head and chest all at different times. I have done my face about three times. Yes it brings all the precancerous areas to a head and then they scab over. It’s no fun but better than the alternative! My Derm stresses to use a small amount. And when dh did his back he had to do it in stages with 2 weeks in between. It’s strong stuff. We just used the fluorouracil alone. Good luck

Thank you for your input.

I typically can just jump in when I know what I need to do, but I just couldn't get started. I'm glad I am only applying it on my skin, this stuff sucks! Very minor in the scheme of things. A hiccup. But oy, it's bothering my stomach. I can't imagine how those who have to receive it internally must feel. My heart goes out to those folks.

I'm not familiar with any topical creams as be-all, end-all treatment. Is this suggested because the problem area is extensive? DH is THE whitest 'white boy', according to his dermatologist, and he played tennis and golf, and lettered in swimming in HS. He has had various treatments, usually involving dry ice to freeze some top layers, then cream. He's had two Moh's procedures. (Tedious; I'd only do these where you just can't bear to have a small scar.)

Yes, my physician wants it over the entire area. And I agree. There has been extensive damage and I'm happy to avoid any chopping off if it can be headed off at the pass. I'll take peeling over slicing. I've had a thing removed by slicing and I hated that. It's actually quite typical to apply it to the entire face or chest.