Is it Skin Cancer on my face? ?

Question

So I've had this mark on my face for a few years now. I've included the link below to see the spot plus example of basal cell carcinoma. I'm worried it might be cancerous or precancerous. it's sorta rough in texture. it seems to have gotten larger but not sure. i've been using proactive and perhaps that has irritated it. i think it use to be more brown or tan in color. i've heard of this disease called Solar Keratosis which are precancerous spots do to sun exposure or perhaps basal cell carcinoma. Or could it be harmless like eczema or dry skin patch of some sort. it's only one spot and it never seems to go away. I am making an appointment to see a regular dr next week.

http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/jasoncochran74/9fa0Ow*DHUrP62690ow4BmgAbGR3y0s1iqRW

Answer 1

Hello,

Yes, I can see why you're worried. At least, I think I can.  You presumably are looking at the round area against the side of your nose, rather than the pigmented crease leading down at an angle from the inner corner of your eye?  

It's good of you to include such a helpful picture.

You think it might be a BCC.  As you know, there are 4 types of BCC, (1) nodular, - the classical kind, (2) pigmented, (3) sclerosing or 'deep', (4) superficial BCC.

It looks most like a nodular BCC to me. However, there is no sign at all of the little-red-blood-vessels, ("telangiectasia") so very characteristic of this type of basal cell carcinoma, and it does not seem in fact to be very nodular, nor 'pearly-white' in colour.

I think you're right to get it checked soon.

It does not look to me like the sclerosing or superficial type.

I would not have said it was much like a solar keratosis in this picture.  I think you may be thinking of 'actinic keratosis,' which is more pre-malignant than solar keratosis, and certainly feels rough to the touch often.

If you were older, I would have suggested 'senile sebaceous hyperplasia' as well, but I take it you're under 50.

I hope this is of some help.

Best wishes,

Belliger (retired uk gp)

Answer 2

Frankly it just looks like eczema to me.  However, since this is the second time that you have asked this question, you are obviously very worried about this.  I recommend that you see a dermatologist as soon as  you are able to.  It would be best to see one that specializes in skin cancers, as I don't think that you will really trust the response of anyone else.  The only way to truly tell if it is skin cancer is to have the area biopsied.  Given that it is on your face, you will want someone that is experienced in Moh's surgery as you will have less scarring.

Answer 3

Just to be safe, I had a dark spot on my back checked out by an oncologist. Luckily she told me it was an age spot! I'm still glad I had it checked out though. Better than constant worry.