Skin Cancer... Spot of a dilema

[Zagato]

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

Said on the radio SEVEN PEOPLE DIE OF SKIN CANCER EVERYDAY IN THE UK

I had a black itchy mole and saw the GP, was in hospital 2 days later for cancer counselling followed immediately by surgery to remove the mole and the area around it. They couldn't determine if it was cancer but took out a load more flesh from my belly to make sure - left with a 3" scar. I was having a nightmare at work and this worry wasn't a priority, I wasn't bothered by it all - had too much on my plate to think about it. The doctor was so surprised I wasn't worried about it - he should have had my job!

Generally if there is a concern it is cancer they get you in ASAP - in the UK anyway...

 

[Nostrodamus]

As I said, two doctors looked at it.. it came up within two weeks to it's present size and stayed the same. They said skin cancer usually takes longer and if it is not the dark kind they would usually see red spider lines or a crater in the middle. They did said with the dark kind they would have had me in then. I presume in places like Gib they may see more of it and know what they were talking about. Initially they wasn't even going to refer me to the clinic but said to keep an eye on it and if it got worse or spider lines appeared then to go to the clinic. They gave me a referral letter in case I went. When I clarified it with them they said I might as well go anyway. Went to the clinic, the doctor there did not even look at it, just referred me back to the hospital. Still waiting for an appointment but when I went in to ask they had not received a referral from the clinic and said if it was non urgent the appointment would probably be September. I therefore hang in limbo.

Chinita. Thank you for your fully reasoned reply. I don't want to give the better half any more reason than she already has to get ride of me. She would much prefer a autopsy and insurance payout to a biopsy.

 

[snooks]

Once you get a diagnosis head to http://dermnetnz.org/ so you can find out more info about what you have. It's reassuring to know that the diagnosis looks like it's supposed to.

btw http://dermnetnz.org/ isn't a self diagnosis place, you need to know the name of the "spot" for the site to be helpful, unless you have lots of time to search through every condition on there.

There are lots of things it could be, not all of them begin with C, but it's not worth the risk to put it off.

 

[stiknstring]

Once you get a diagnosis head to http://dermnetnz.org/ so you can find out more info about what you have. It's reassuring to know that the diagnosis looks like it's supposed to.

btw http://dermnetnz.org/ isn't a self diagnosis place, you need to know the name of the "spot" for the site to be helpful, unless you have lots of time to search through every condition on there.

There are lots of things it could be, not all of them begin with C, but it's not worth the risk to put it off.

Great website - I was directed there by my consultant. Just had same thing Nostro and it got sorted out within 2 weeks in March this year. BCC's if that is what it is are very common - but you must get it looked at soonest. Doesn't matter how much it costs, that should be the last thing on your mind - get it done, worry about the cost afterwards. Peace of mind and health are priceless

 

[Nostrodamus]

Thanks snooks. glad to know I may have one of 6,800 problems.

 

[Nostrodamus]

What I am more pleased about with this thread is making people aware that these problems DO happen and to take protection seriously.
Thank you to those who shared.

Now, I have a friend with a itchy willy.. any suggestions! (no names mentioned but please address all replies in strictest confidence to Chinita)

 

[savageseadog]

I was shopping at our local Aldi recently when I saw someone with a horrifically obvious melanoma shopping with his wife. It was so large I was almost in shock and had to walk out of the store, don't let it happen to you.

 

[Rum_Pirate]

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.

+1

plus

 

[Rum_Pirate]

You are dealing with cancer and your life.

Get a second or third opinion if the Doc's say nothing is wrong.

 

[Nostrodamus]

If it is cancer it would be the basil kind. Treatment is 98% effective and the 2% is people who just leave it without doing anything.
I have been doing something.
People should be concerned but appreciate there are many,many different forms.
People who speak from experience have added greatly to this thread. Yes, I do have a problem but what I wanted to do as much as anything was highlight it, and make people aware so they could check themselves regularly. As sailors we may be at greater risk.
I also don't wan't to scare monger but make people aware that if you do find something, get it checked as it can usually be dealt with by very easy methods.
Men are notorious for "hoping" problems just disappear but sometimes they don't.
Just be aware and know that most problems can be sorted easily.

 

[Rum_Pirate]

If it is cancer it would be the basil kind.

On whose identification?

PS I think you mean basal cell.

 

[Champagne Murphy]

Had this done on my nose a year ago. £120 for the consult, 2 stage; removal under local- a tear to the eye-then 5 days wait for a man with a microscope and then a flap to repair. You wouldn't know it had been done now.
All up; under a grand. Could have done it on the nash but I wanted to get on ASAP. My man was in Colchester but I imagine Spanish medics with all that sun about, are as effective as any around for this kind of stuff.
Hope you wear a Tilley hat now!

 

[johnalison]

Growing quickly within a couple of weeks is not typical of any cancer and it is more likely to be one of the other lesions mentioned, actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease or whatever. The fastest-growing "thing" is a kerato-acanthoma, which is not cancerous but looks awful and grows to lump quickly before dispersing slowly.

I suspect that whether you get another opinion soon or not, you will end up going off for the summer anyway, so maybe all you will have to do is make a determined effort to protect you face by clothing and the strongest skin preparation you can find.

 

[ianabc]

Since 1930's Basal Cell has been
treated with Mohs surgery
...
after biop
microscopically thin layer removed and IMMEDIATLY examined under microscope,
repeated until edges clear.

 

[Plyn]

I have had teatment for both Basal Cell and Bowens disease. Dr recommended 50+ sunlotion-but check that 5* UVA + UVB . Not all preparations are 5* in both. Wearing a T shirt only equal to factor 7! Must search out my Tilley sunhat from it's winter hibernation!

 

[Salty John]

On a serious note, check out the symptoms of basal and squamous cell carcinoma here: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Skin/Symptomsdiagnosis/Symptoms.aspx

I had that most feared of things, a malignant melanoma, and was very fortunate to have it excised before it reached my lymphatic system. I'm now fully discharged. Interestingly it is thought that my melanoma was the result of severe sunburn as a child rather that the long exposure to sunlight that I've enjoyed in my more recent sailing life.

 

[mjcoon]

The problem is we are in Gibraltar.

Have you got your European Health Insurance Card? Or any medical insurance?

(I had a small mole removed from my cheek and biopsied but was given the all-clear. And the usual talk from the oncologist about avoiding the sun...)

Mike.

 

[Champagne Murphy]

Since 1930's Basal Cell has been
treated with Mohs surgery
...
after biop
microscopically thin layer removed and IMMEDIATLY examined under microscope,
repeated until edges clear.

Isn't Moh's for the larger lesions? Particularly melanoma?

 

[aquaholic]

I don't wont to put you on a downer so to speak but please get it checked, 3 years ago my dad had a mole that started to itch and was weeping, eventually went to the quacks, referred to Guys Hospital in September, cut a long story short he was diagnosed with a MM (years as a builder with his shirt off in the sun we suspect) he died 5 months later....He was 62.

Wishing you all the best.

 

[lenseman]

. . . Now, I have a friend with a itchy willy.. any suggestions! (no names mentioned but please address all replies in strictest confidence to Chinita)

Hey! Get his wife to hit it with a winch handle !! :O



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