Scared to go to the doctors

[Hartey40]

Haven't posted for a very long time, and I know the only answer is, is to go to the GP, but I'm scared, terrified infact, of worse case scenario.

My mum had cancer 3 times before she finally died, so my fear of cancer is to some degree rational.

I developed a weird looking lesion on my forehead about 18 months ago, it literally seemed to appear one day, as I can't remember seeing it until I saw it.

I know it's cancer, I'm in my 50's and I know I need to get it checked out before it's too bloody late.

Thanks for reading. I've attached a photo.

It is but do you know what cured my health anxiety? Getting cancer. Breast in my case. I honestly don't think you've got anything to worry about here. A melanoma would not have remained unchanged in that time (or at least very unlikely). Hopefully your doctor will reassure you. However, be prepared to hyper focus on something else which is why it's important you address the mental health aspect.

I've got one on my back that I got checked out recently. I agree with you.

@TheFormidableMrsC Sorry to hear that about BC, I hope all is ok now x my mum had that at 59. Yes I will be hyper focusing on something after this for sure x

My Mum had a very similar mark in exactly the same place. It appeared when she was about 60, and was still there, and still completely benign, 35 years later when she passed away. She had it checked from time to time but there was never a sign of malignancy. My mother in law had a lesion on her face which was an early skin cancer (which didn't look like yours) and that was treated successfully with chemo cream and never came back.

I had breast cancer 14 years ago, and after my treatment was finished, I trained as a volunteer supporter for women who were newly diagnosed and the one thing above everything that we always stressed was DO NOT GOOGLE. When I was first diagnosed, I ignored this advice - after spending night after night on the internet, I almost ruined my life. I decided that I knew without a shadow of doubt that my cancer was terminal, that it had spread, that I had advanced bone and lung cancer, that I would be horribly deformed after having breast reconstruction, and that I had a faulty gene that I had passed on to my daughter. I was 100% wrong on every count. There are some terrible websites about, especially some of the American ones. You've only got a few days until your appointment, so if you value your sanity, listen to the many people who are telling you that it doesn't look malignant, or if it is, it's easily treated with chemo cream, and for goodness sake tell your partner. And above all, STAY AWAY FEOM GOOGLE.

"Edit" seen at GP's who think it is fungal, I really don't think it is....anyway given daktacort cream, and told to try for 2 weeks, if not gone to go back 🤷‍♀️

They really like to try something first before referring in my experience. Just go back if it doesn't go.

@LoafofSellotape but if she thought it was an obvious cancer surely she would have referred me straight away? She did say it could be a actinic keratosis but it doesn't feel rough so can't be x

My SK aren't rough at all . They're a bit rubbery, although they have a little bit of a bumpy texture, they're quite soft?

. Basically they look identical to what you have.

Of course your GP would have made a referral if she suspected it could be cancerous. The fact that she wants you to use the cream first means that she thought it didn't look sinister.

My husband has had melanoma twice and it looked absolutely nothing like that.

@tinkersfig yes I think that is what it is (potentially) how was yours treated