Birch Problem?

Chris Ma

 

Hi,

Could anybody tell me what problem on this birch tree? Thanks. Chris

 

 

 

Busy-Lizzie

The black mass on the tree in the lower picture looks like canker. I think cankers are due to a fungal infection and they have to be cut out and disinfected, but it's not something I've ever done. I hope someone more expert than me answers.