Skin cancer??

[Mono1990]

Hi,
So I've had this weird spot on my leg for a few years now (maybe about 5). I lived in a hot, sunny country at the time it appeared. I assumed it was some kind of scar, but something my mum said recently has scared me, and now I'm worried it's skin cancer, maybe squamous cell? Of course I'm going to call a doctor on Monday, but I'm in that spiral of anxiety you get when you go on Google... I don't know what I want really, just some reassurance?😥Has anyone had anything similar?

I'm not remotely qualified to give much of an opinion, but I just wanted to say that you are doing absolutely the right thing by getting this seen by a doctor. Good luck on Monday

I agree that in doubt, get it checked.
I have something similar and the doc said it is a harmless dermatofibroma. Could be that?

Thanks for replying.

I just looked up images of dermatofibroma as I haven't heard of them before. Mine doesn't look so raised, it's almost flat, but I don't know.

It doesn't hurt or itch or ooze if that makes a difference.

I guess I've always associated skin cancer with moles, but I've scared myself by looking up the carcinomas. Now I'm trying to go about my day worrying that I actually have cancer 😕

Mine is flat too, looks about like this www.sciencephoto.com/media/1288110/view/dermatofibroma-dermoscopy
Try to stop googling until you see your doctor.

Even if it was they could cut it and some of the healthy skin round it out. Be calm

I had basal cell carcinoma that looked like a pink scar

Removal was fairly simple, under local anaesthetic. It was scooped out including a wider layer to make sure none is left behind. Stitches in 3 layers of skin.

Recovery took a few weeks and the scar was a bit raised and keloid so I had a couple of steroid injections to smooth it out.

Didn't require any chemo. I've not had any others or reoccurrences but my GP is vigilant and refers me really quickly if there are concerns.

Definitely get it checked x

Hi I had something very similar that I ignored for years and was convinced I was going to die. It turned out to be basal cell carcinoma, which is benign, and was removed with a cream and some removal to get the edges. Gp will refer you to a skin clinic so they can have a proper look. They were not concerned at all. I had another one on my face that was cut out. All done at the minor injuries clinic, not the one where they deal with Malignant carcinomas.

apparently they are really common and take about 20 years to show up after sun damage. Mine were on my forehead and shoulder, both places I had bad sunburn when I was younger.

I had them removed about 10 years ago and haven’t had any more since.

Thanks again for the replies, they were very helpful. Glad to know I'm not the only one who ignores these things then worries I'll die!

@Mono1990 did you find out what it was?

@FlyingFang Well, yes and no. The GP thought it was a dermatofibroma, but he sent a picture to the dermatologist, who thought it was an inflammation and prescribed some cream. The cream hasn't worked, so I have a follow-up appointment with the GP to go to. I feel a bit reassured now, even though I've had conflicting answers.