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Original poster

Growths on body. Cancer.

80 replies

LittleDaffyCat · 21/07/2021 05:01

Hi. I think I have basal cell carcinoma, skin cancer. I have nobody to talk to about this in RL, is there anybody going through anything similar who needs company/is able to keep me company? Thank youFlowers

I have a raised Red spot on the end of my nose, it's been there for a few months. Also a shiny hard lump on my forehead. Same amount of time.
I don't know, I just kind of thought they were spots & they would go. The one on my nose bothers me, it's not painful but it looks like a witches wart but i'd tell myself not to be vain, it's just a spot, & I've been greatful that my mask covers it!!

The one on my forehead doesn't bother me at all, it's not such a noticeable colour, but it's often got a scar on it when I wake in the morning, that I pick off, so it's back to not being noticeable.
I just ignore them day to day.

On Monday I suddenly thought 'What if these aren't just spots?' & came across Basel cell carcinoma through googling. I spoke to the drs yesterday for something else & they said if I want an appointment I have to ring back today. I will do that.

I've just been looking in the mirror & I have some darker patches on my cheek & also a lump on my arm which has been there for many, many years, it was a shiny clear lump but it's now Brown... I can't find anything on Google about them changing colour but that's odd, right? It's kind of round by my elbow so I have to twist to see it, I only notice it if I have a scratch in the area & think 'Mind that lump'.

I had no idea that these sorts of spots could be anything bad. I feel like an idiot. And I feel terrified.

Is anybody there?

OP posts:
PubicMenace · 21/07/2021 05:19

Oh goodness what a worry for you.

Please don't feel like an idiot. It's easy to overlook little marks and spots but now you're getting it checked you can get whatever treatment necessary.

Just take it one step at a time. I bet you'll be fine.

Westchesterarms · 21/07/2021 05:27

My dad had BCC on his face twice. I'm sure the doctor said that although they're cancerous, they very rarely spread in the body. I mean very rarely. They just stay localised. You just need to get them sorted as they can spread on the face. They're very common. So don't worry.

Original poster
LittleDaffyCat · 21/07/2021 05:39

Thank you PubicMenace. That's kind of you, I know you are right.
I've often thought 'I hope people don't look down on me for having spots, I can't help it!... Now I'm wondering if anybody thought 'I hope she's having those looked at'.

Thanks for sharing that Westchester. Yes, I think Google said it's uncommon for them to be on other parts of the body.

The one on my arm, would be the 'first' one, I suppose, as it's been there longest, & the face ones 2nd.

I'm not googling anymore btw. I feel like, I've read what I needed to read, & anything else will just scare me more now.

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WorriedMillie · 21/07/2021 05:46

My mum has had a few BCCs successfully removed over the past 20yrs or so
Just pop along to show your GP, my mum said the removal was painless and quick (a couple were even done in the GP surgery as there was a Dr at the time with a special interest in dermatology)

MrsSchadenfreude · 21/07/2021 05:52

BCC don’t spread. They can be easily removed. Darker patches likely to be seborrhoeic warts. Please do not worry (easier said than done, I know!). Your GP will refer you to the hospital if they are worried.

Original poster
LittleDaffyCat · 21/07/2021 06:01

WorriedMillie Thank you for sharing that. I'm not thinking it will be that simple at all, I'm catastrophising in a huge way but that's just me! Prepare for the worst.
I'm hoping I can get an appointment. When I said to them yesterday that I need a face to face one for this, they said it will most likely be sending photos in.

Thanks MrsSchadenfreude I keep telling myself they might not be what I think but the one on the forehead & my arm (before it changed colour) look identical to photos I've seen... The nose one not so much.

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Soontobe60 · 21/07/2021 06:20

I had a BCC (or rodent ulcer) removed in 2019. It was on my side. The GP referred me to a dermatologist who checked all the lumps and bumps on my body and only removed this one. I’m due to go back as I have what may be another one on my neck but my appointment has been cancelled twice due to me having to self isolate!
If you’re quite fair, got a lot of sunburn as a child then you’re more likely to have BCCs.
For now, use a good factor 50 face specific sun cream on your face and neck every day - regardless if it’s sunny or not! Get someone to take a few close up photos of your spots to send to your GP - this is how I had my latest referral done.

Remaker · 21/07/2021 06:28

I’m from Australia where we all know a lot about skin cancers. BCCs are not the terrible ones, yes you will need to get them removed if that’s what they are but you are not at any great risk. I’ve had one removed and once it’s gone that’s it, no further follow up apart from regular skin checks.

Go and see your GP and given it sounds like you have a number of spots I’d be asking for a referral to a dermatologist. I had a GP assure me two different lumps were warts but the dermatologist diagnosed a BCC and a SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) and they needed to be removed. One was on my nose so I needed a skin graft from my forehead. You can’t even see the scar now.

Original poster
LittleDaffyCat · 21/07/2021 06:29

Thanks Soontobe60 I do get sunburned. I'm that person who gets burned in February on the one random sunny day, I use suncream religiously 'in the summer'.

I havnt got anybody to take photos, I will do my best to take my own. I really want a referral like yours tbh just to check everything over but I doubt that's what I will get.

I hope you finally get yours seen to!

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Original poster
LittleDaffyCat · 21/07/2021 06:34

Thanks Remaker I'm not great at speaking up in general, I get fobbed off & just accept it then beat myself up about it as I didn't insist on being seen or whatever.

I feel like there's a lot of 'weird' things going on with my body the last few years. Things just aren't 'right' & that's what I put these spots down to really, 'Oh right, another odd thing. Great'.

I'm glad yours were removed successfullySmile

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Westchesterarms · 21/07/2021 08:50

I had a dodgy mole and the gp said it was innocent but asked if I'd like to have it removed anyway. I was happy with that. Was seen a few weeks later and it was removed by a dermatologist specialising in cancer. He also confirmed it wasn't suspicious. So if you're concerned, I'm sure they'll refer you on.

Original poster
LittleDaffyCat · 21/07/2021 09:23

Thanks Westchesterarms I'm glad it was easy for youSmile
Moles just make you worry don't they.

I couldn't get a face to face appointment but I've sent photos in. It took 20 mins to take them, it's difficult trying to get the right light etc isn't it!

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Westchesterarms · 21/07/2021 09:35

I'm like you. I went on holiday, wore a t shirt and sat under an umbrella, and still got burnt. I'm covered in moles as well and I'm constantly checking them. And I have something going on on my nose. It's all very disturbing! I was actually at the doctors in January about a crusty mole. So I understand your concern completely. I hope you either get ut sorted or they put your worries to rest.

Original poster
LittleDaffyCat · 21/07/2021 11:53

Westchesterarms It's annoying isn't it! You have my sympathy, I'm the only adult I know who uses suncream but it's because I need it!
Random health worries are horrible aren't they, especially at times like this when appointments are difficult to getFlowers

I've noticed another one on my arm & one on my hand... How did I never realise that these lumps might be something to worry about?! I mean, I know that it's unlikely that all of these are anything, but I feel like, if it all turns out to be nothing, then I want the GP to just take all my skin off & give me a new, none bumpy one!

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Original poster
LittleDaffyCat · 21/07/2021 20:01

I spoke to the GP & have a face to face appointment on Friday so fingers crossed.

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Westchesterarms · 21/07/2021 20:13

Not long to wait. They don't mess around with possible skin cancers so I'm sure if it is a BCC, it won't be that long til it's sorted out. The lump on your arm could be anything and highly unlikely to be suspicious. But whatever the problem, you'll know without having to worry over the weekend.

Keep us informed. x

Original poster
LittleDaffyCat · 23/07/2021 12:22

I have to take some more photos & he's going to send them to dermatology.

I wish he had said it's nothing & I'm just being paranoidSad

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MrsSchadenfreude · 23/07/2021 19:46

Why didn’t he just refer you under the two week wait?

Most GPs don’t have a clue about skin cancer and tend to refer to be on the safe side. The mole I was originally referred for was benign, but the dermatologist found a melanoma. It looked nothing like the pictures you see. It was very pale and looked like a freckle.

55BrilliantColours · 23/07/2021 19:55

The lump that has turned brown could well be a dermatofibroma which is totally harmless. They start off as a hard lump and gradually change colour and get flatter. Commonly found on the legs and forearms.

Original poster
LittleDaffyCat · 23/07/2021 20:10

MrsSchadenfreude I don't know. He said dermatology have a photo consultation service going on at the moment (I think. Can't remember the words)

But he said I had to try & take some better photos as my first ones weren't clear... That's the 4th time since Covid hit that I've been told my photos aren't clear by the GP. My phone is old but I do my best. I really hoped he would take the photos there & then.

I felt absolutely sick going in there & could barely speak to him. I think I have some serious health anxiety going onSad

Anyway, I'm hoping dermatology ask to see me if they say the photos aren't clear.

Thanks BrilliantColours, that's reassuring. He was most concerned about the one on my nose as it's Red coloured.

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Missedopportunity · 23/07/2021 20:33

I should imagine it's actually a much faster turnaround looking at photos than having patients in, chatting, poss getting undressed etc, so actually quite sensible. Can you get a friend with a better phone to take the photos. It's very hard to take a photo of yourself: keep the camera steady, in focus and then press the button. At least you're in the system and you're on track to getting it all sorted.

Original poster
LittleDaffyCat · 23/07/2021 20:38

Missedopportunity I will have to try & think of somebody to ask to take some if they want more photos.

I took about 40 minutes trying to get ones that showed them from all angles.

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clopper · 23/07/2021 20:39

My DH and DF both had these removed a few years ago from their faces and are fine now.

Missedopportunity · 23/07/2021 20:45

It's really difficult. Even if someone else takes it, you tend to move a little all the time so at such close quarters the picture can go a little fuzzy. You need to rest your head back against a wall and you arm on a table to keep everything still. You need yo channel Mario Testino. Hehe.

Original poster
LittleDaffyCat · 24/07/2021 08:06

Missedopportunity Haha, I Just googled him!

I think they should have somebody with a very steady hand & a very high techy camera, who travels around every GP surgery taking photos like this.
It would be a quick snap for them, much easier than my 40 mins & still slightly blurry!

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