Question Regarding Skin Cancer?

Question

My mum (finally) went to the doctors yesterday for a completely unrelated ailment and walked away with a diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma.

She has a mole right by her eye that has changed, becoming raised, dark and "scabbed" it has multiple colours and has uneven edges. It has even bled a few times. It seemed to change every time I saw her - and commented that she should get it looked at. I suppose that because its on her face and she sees it everyday that its change went unnoticed but, thinking about it, its been bleeding occasionally for about a year or so. She had a biopsy done on it a few years ago but this came back negative for cancer cells.

I suppose my question here is how worried should we be? I know that her her prognosis is good if it is BCC as it rarely spreads. But, is a GP able to diagnosis this on the spot with no biopsy?

I am going with her to have it "Scraped" when she gets her referral. I guess I'm concerned that it may be more serious than the initial diagnosis.

I may be just scaring myself but I have looked at pictures of the three types of skin cancer and I have to say it looks alot more like a melanoma than a BCC. I know there's no point in worrying until we see a specialist - Cant really help that though.

Answer 1

My Mum had this on her face. I looked on Netdoctor and was reassured. When she did see the specialist he took a scaping, had it tested and said 'nothing to worry about'

Do hope all goes well with your Mum.

Answer 2

I had BCC just above my eyebrow and it is the commonest form of cancer. Also known as a "rodent ulcer", unless treated it can bore its way through to the brain. My Oncologist charmingly said that it was common amongst mental patients.

My Doctor excised it and the biopsy later confirmed that all of the cancerous skin had been removed. Hardly noticeable now, leaving only a very small scar. I went private, so prepare for a massive blanket stitch if it's on the NHS.

BCCs are meant to be itchy, mine wasn't, so not everyone's is per the textbook.

You have a Specialist appointment, soon I hope, so he should be able to clear it up for you.

Answer 3

Basal cell carcinoma is a superficial slowly growing papule or nodule that derives from epidermal basal cells. Metastasis is rare, but local growth can be highly destructive. Diagnosis is by biopsy. Treatment depends on the tumor's characteristics and may involve curettage and electrodesiccation, surgical excision, cryosurgery, or, occasionally, radiation therapy.

Answer 4

Hello

Actually the skin cancer you talk about comes in 4 types not 3. The first step is a biopsy. The skin removed by a dermatologist must be sent to a lab for analysis. In type one and two skin cancer treatment is easy enough. In type 3 and 4 surgery is needed to remove skin tissues and they have to check nodes to see how far it as circulated in the system. A melanoma treatment centre will be needed and an adequate doctor that treats melanomas.

If you believe in natural treatment try this. Raspberry butter, hydrogen peroxyde, calamine lotion. In the biopsy hole put a small amount of raspberry butter after cleaning with peroxyde. Leave both in hole to fill it. Cover with large amount of calamine. Let dry and keep on all day. Do that on a daily basis. Give it 7 to 10 days. She will have no more need to worry about it. Believe me and try it. That applies to all others who need help. Let me know.Best regards.