Think I have skin cancer

[Crimblehumblecrumble]

I have had a red raised lump on the nape of my neck under my hairline for 9/10 months. I have been to GP about it 3/4 times but they don’t seem to know what it is. They said they don’t think it’s anything sinister because of where it is and my age. But surely not knowing and not doing anything about not knowing isn’t good enough?

I have severe health anxiety so I’m never sure if my reactions are normal.

I'd say keratosis, what's your age??

You've got health anxiety not skin cancer so put energies into what the real issue is

As you know, seeking reassurance for this will only go so far and it's not helpful at all to the HA brain.

30

You are completely right. I know. I think I’m struggling with not having a diagnosis and Gp not investigating or doing a biopsy. Then you read online about BSC and it starts the spiral again. I just want them to tell me what it is. My DH is so fed up with me as well 😭

Can you afford to go and see a dermatologist privately?

Possibly Seborrheic Keratosis - I have some of these. (Pic attached of one) Harmless but don't look very nice

Or might be dermatofibroma - similar

See if you can get a referral to a dermatologist

No. And I think our GP now has me pegged as the mad lady who won’t take your fine for an answer so won’t refer me. We live rurally so only 1 GP

it doesn’t fit any of the markers of skin cancer. I agree to go privately and address your health anxiety separately

Looks like seborrhoeaic ketosis to me, which is harmless.

I thought they were wart like/ crusty whereas mine is smooth. I might ask GP and see what they think

No, don't whatever you do pay to have this seen privately! You know - on a level rather deep down - that you do not have skin cancer. You know this. Repeat this to yourself a dozen times. If I know you don't have it then you know

I'd say it's quite urgent you see a dr about medication for your health anxiety or upping existing meds/ changing them etc or considering trying to get some CBT

That'll help in the longer term and in the meantime, repeat the mantra, focus on a good book / nice bath / shopping trip : whatever helps you relax and gives your brain and your husband a rest

I hope I don’t have skin cancer. But how can I know without knowing what the thing is on the back of my neck?
Is it normal for a GP to not know what’s wrong and do nothing about not knowing?
I am seeing a counsellor for Health Anxiety. On this one I’m struggling though because it seems logical to be concerned with a non diagnosis.

There is no amount of reassurance that will be enough for the demon that is your health anxiety, OP. The answer to that problem is never more information or more expert opinions.

I suspect the path away from the HA starts with knowing that you will never be able to satisfy it.

Yes I'd say it's relatively normal for a GP to not know exactly what it is and do nothing. After all, they're General Practitioners so the clue is in the name.

However they'll have seen skin cancer. And they'll know how it presents and what may be suspicious. They're clearly not bothered by yours.

Anyway ..: this just feeds it all so give yourself a break now

I think you need to think about the statistic that one in two people will get cancer in their lifetime. So you’re already on 50/50. So it is very possible that you will get cancer. I did. My mum did. Loads of women on here did or do have cancer. So when all these people and your doctors tell you that you’ve not got cancer, bloody well enjoy it because cancer does come for half of us and something comes for all of us. You will die. Live your life.