Skin Cancer... Spot of a dilema

[Nostrodamus]

To cut a long story short a big spot appeared on my nose over a period of about two weeks and won't go away.
I went to the local hospital to get it checked and two doctors didn't think it was skin cancer but told me to go to the clinic where they dealt with things such as this.
I went to the clinic and the doctor did not even look but referred me back to the hospital. I am still awaiting an appointment but have been told if it is non urgent the next appointment is September.
We want to leave next week and carry on cruising which would mean not getting to see anyone.
There is no way we can hang around for six months to be told I have a wart or something similar. On the other hand if it is the non melanoma type skin cancer which can be cut out am I risking a lot by carrying on sailing.
Anyone else out there had similar problems whilst cruising or does anyone with medical knowledge have any advice.
One thing it has really made me think about is the lack of attention we give our bodies when out sailing.

 

[michael_w]

Pay money, get it sorted. Don't muck about with melanoma.

 

[Salty John]

Are you talking big red spot, as in boil, or dark brown or black, irregular shaped? There's a life changing difference.

 

[Scillypete]

Had a similar thing a couple of years ago on my leg. I went to my GP who booked me in for their minor op clinic at the GP surgery, he cut it out and sent it off for analysis, fortunately it was actinic keratosis which is not cancerous. Perhaps you should try your local GP first rather than the hospital, and be insistent.

 

[chinita]

I had a red spot on my lower eyelid. I ignored it for about a year but it seemed to be getting bigger and angrier.

As I was in Spain at the time I flew back to UK and walked into the Royal Liverpool Hospital (it had been eight years since last registered with a GP).

Initial diagnosis was a blocked tear duct and they would book me in to have it cleared.

About a week later I was on the sugeon's slab. She decided it was not a blocked tear duct but a Basal Cell Carcinoma, cut it out and said it would go off to be checked.

About two weeks later I had a letter saying that the pathology report indicated that it was malignant. Ok, but the bad news was that they had a ragged edge (ie, had not cut it all out). It took another nine months before I had a repeat performance in Brighton. They cocked it up again and I had to go a third time. Not fun to smell the burning flesh as they cauterize!

Been ok since, but I am pretty careful. Still puzzled how it happened as I always wear quality sunglasses.

Anyway, I know it is a bit of a logistic nightmare but I think you should consider flying back to UK. If you are still with a GP, try to make a telephone appointment to discuss the options. Perhaps he could expedite hospital treatment for you or, indeed, some GPs now do this sort of surgery themselves. You will still have to wait for the histology report but at least it will not continue to spoil your good looks.

One thing is for sure, it aint going to heal itself.

 

[Wansworth]

There should be a private clinic around.Normally in the afternoon the doctors who work in the state health service take up their second employment for the day.

 

[fergie_mac66]

In january this year I noticed a growth on my elbow.My GP (NHS) looked and said they would get me an appointment within 3 months but would try for sooner , a week later an appointment for 8 days later arrived .
September is not an acceptable wait

 

[WYLMAW]

My rather uninformed view is that if you get the GP to send you for a private consultation with a consultant it will cost (probably) let and 250 GBP, then you can opt to go back on his NHS list later - but you wont be seen any quicker.

 

[Victoria Sponge]

My informed view (retired nurse) is that you definitely need it checking properly. There are several very slow growing skin cancers, that don't really spread, that will need treatment, but you have to exclude malignant melanoma. MM spreads quickly and kills you. Don't mess about, get it checked asap.

 

[Nostrodamus]

Thank you all for your replies.
It is not the brown dangerous type, has no crater, has a crusty surface, does not bleed and was told if it was skin cancer it was not the malignant type but two doctors didn't think it was skin cancer but couldn't be sure.
The problem is we are in Gibraltar.
Did enquire about private but 150 euros for a basic consult, then probably a biopsy and then cutting it out which put it to nearly £1000 euros for what is probably a wart????
I have seen three doctors but I am none the wiser.

 

[Nostrodamus]

I am very glad others put down what happened to them as it might make people think about covering up in the skin or checking out any unusual spots they may have,
Prevention is always better than cure.

 

[Victoria Sponge]

Thank you all for your replies.
It is not the brown dangerous type, has no crater, has a crusty surface, does not bleed and was told if it was skin cancer it was not the malignant type but two doctors didn't think it was skin cancer but couldn't be sure.
The problem is we are in Gibraltar.
Did enquire about private but 150 euros for a basic consult, then probably a biopsy and then cutting it out which put it to nearly £1000 euros for what is probably a wart????
I have seen three doctors but I am none the wiser.

Without taking a biopsy the doctors will not know for sure what it is. I wouldn't mess about personally. I used to work on a unit where we took samples to test from skin lesions. You just can't be sure unless the lesion is tested.

 

[vyv_cox]

You may receive a more positive and rapid response in Spain (although recent reported experiences may no longer support this) I know a long-term cruising man who visited a hospital in Med Spain when he became concerned about a growth. He was surprised to receive excellent and immediate attention. Biopsy, identification and removal of a cancerous growth cost him €75.

 

[AMCD300]

Don't mess about with this. It is probably nothing to worry about but why worry for such a long time when you can get it done privately now. We shouldn't have to pay for things ourselves (having already paid National Insurance for years) but we have the choice, assuming we have the money that is. Hope it works out for you.
Andy

 

[Rum_Pirate]

Go to a Doc NOW. Don't mess with this. Trustme. I have had to have several areas cut out. Last took 17 stitches ! !

 

[capnsensible]

Thank you all for your replies.
It is not the brown dangerous type, has no crater, has a crusty surface, does not bleed and was told if it was skin cancer it was not the malignant type but two doctors didn't think it was skin cancer but couldn't be sure.
The problem is we are in Gibraltar.
Did enquire about private but 150 euros for a basic consult, then probably a biopsy and then cutting it out which put it to nearly £1000 euros for what is probably a wart????
I have seen three doctors but I am none the wiser.

Have you tried College Clinic? Dr Salem there is very good, saw him for something similar (forehead) recently. Was 70 quid.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Can I reiterate what people have said about not messing with cancer? If there's even a small suggestion it is cancer, get it looked at and diagnosed ASAP. Most cancer is treatable if it's caught early enough; cancer that isn't treated early is the killer. The big killers are those whose early symptoms are not alarming and which mimic other natural changes in the body.

FWIW, a friend has melanoma; it is currently under control, and he has to have operations every year or so to keep it so. But he knows that sooner or later it will metastatize and kill him, if nothing else gets him first!

 

[Nostrodamus]

Which is the Collage clinic?
Do you have to have an appointment?
Did the lobotomy work and cure the madness?
I doubt it

 

[Sybarite]

To cut a long story short a big spot appeared on my nose over a period of about two weeks and won't go away.
I went to the local hospital to get it checked and two doctors didn't think it was skin cancer but told me to go to the clinic where they dealt with things such as this.
I went to the clinic and the doctor did not even look but referred me back to the hospital. I am still awaiting an appointment but have been told if it is non urgent the next appointment is September.
We want to leave next week and carry on cruising which would mean not getting to see anyone.
There is no way we can hang around for six months to be told I have a wart or something similar. On the other hand if it is the non melanoma type skin cancer which can be cut out am I risking a lot by carrying on sailing.
Anyone else out there had similar problems whilst cruising or does anyone with medical knowledge have any advice.
One thing it has really made me think about is the lack of attention we give our bodies when out sailing.

I've had lots cut off over the years but only once was I recalled to have a bit more cut off. The doctor told me to make sure that I kept out of direct sun-light or if this was not possible, to wear envelopping clothing and to use total block sun cream - factor 60.

This is one of the reasons why I would like my next boat to have a centre cockpit and a hard top.

Also, I find it difficult to buy light, long slieved, high collar shirts. Something light and in cotton or linen such as the pirates used to wear with loose slieves gathered in at the wrist would be ideal. I would have thought that there would have been more demand for this sort of thing amongst the boating community.

I believe a lot of people are unaware of the risks or underestimate the risks from sunlight.

 

[chinita]

Here's an idea Nostro.

Get SWMBO to pan you on the head with a winch handle; go to A&E, flash your EHIC and while you are being bandaged up ask them to have a look at your nose.

It should work, probably

My SWMBO says it is probably because you have been telling too many porky pies.

Anyway, look on the bright side - at least you have got something to think about now