I’ve had a “spot/growth” on my arm for a few weeks, it seemed to come up very quickly but didn’t go away. I called the GP and was directed to the nurse practitioner as she does skin complaints. She prescribed anti biotic and steroid cream, three weeks later it’s no better.
So I phoned again this morning and insisted on seeing the doctor. He has referred me urgently to the hospital as he considers it to be cancerous and need’s removing asap.
Bearing in mind I showed it to my local haematologist a couple of weeks ago as I wondered if it was anything to do with hydroxy which I was prescribed alongside the Momelotinib, despite last time I was on it I got horrendous foot ulcers. Oh no he assured me - that’s just a cyst and it will go away on its own!
Then he wonders why I consult Guys about any problems instead of him! Hopefully I’ll be seen within 3 weeks. Of course the Christmas and new year holidays will delay it. Fingers crossed it hasn’t been delayed too long.
Written by
lizzziep
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Any pics? My wife had two small red 5mm red spots arrive after starting Ruxolitinib and stopping hydroxycarbamide a few weeks ago, but they seem to be breaking up and now look like red mushroom rings about 10mm across. Wishing you all the best.
I have a few of these but they itch and burn. GP gave me steroid cream which isn’t helping. They come and go. Oh and I’ve been on hydroxyurea since 2014.
Looks just like the squamous cell skin cancer I recently had removed ftom my leg. It happened when I was on rux. Hoped momelotinib wouldn’t cause skn csncers in the same wsy. Hmmm.
I’m on Momelotinib and hydroxy at the moment and was on Rux for about 10 months previously. Last time I was on hydroxy I got extremely painful foot ulcers, which the haematologist kept denying was anything to do with hydroxy but as soon as I saw a dermatologist she said I don’t even need to look at your feet, skin problems are a well known side effect of hydroxy so when she contacted the haematologist I was taken off it and they healed.
You need a biopsy. As most people know on this site I am a derma PA. This is likely a skin cancer. HU and JAK inhibitors put you at higher risk and you need skin exams regularly. Not to scare you it will be ok. Most skin cancers that appear this way are very treatable by just removing them but they need to biopsy it. My guess is a SCC by the photo and description but needs a biopsy to confirm. But will be ok,❤️. Just needs treatment.
I wish you the very best Lizziep re your lump,over my years of M P N I have had odd lumps & bumps some have been carcinoma ,some bruises & knocks I have not realised injuring myself.Try not to let it spoil the Christmas Spirit ,enjoy the best you can,don’t worry.🥰🎄Sally
if you haven’t done so already it is probably wise to check with Guys as if I remember correctly it was CH who advised adding Hydroxy to the Mom, you could also send them the photo.
Apart from that a decent dermatologist should be able to diagnose it right away.
I see a dermatologist at Spire and he charges around 200-300 depending on if new or follow-up. I don’t know much about skin cancers but I wonder if a skin cancer can come up that quickly. Definitely one for a dermatologist and then maybe run it by Guys once you know what it is.
I use Spire quite a lot in Edinburgh, they can be busy and if I call up to make an appointment some of the consultants may have a few months wait, so they say I will put you on the cancellation list and call you when we have a appointment free, in 10 years they have never called me. Instead I call every day and ask if any cancellations, they get a lot of cancellations, I may have to call every day for a week or two but I always get one within a few days or weeks, so if you can’t get an appointment you can book the earliest one but could call every day until you get a sooner one, it’s a hassle but works.
I’m so glad you were insistent on seeing the doctor. My hematologist is a MPN specialist, but she only treats me for things related to my MF. I had an infected eye for at least a year and I went to an ophthalmologist and a dermatologist, but nobody caught it. Eventually it got so bad that I went to another ophthalmologist and it turned out to be a basal cell carcinoma in my eyelid. I had to have three surgeries to correct it.
hello lizzie - soooo glad you have pushed to have your skin investigated - don’t know why haems seem blinkered to anything that might be related to either condition or medication! Do hope you get this resolved quickly - try not to stress over Xmas - very best Anne-Marie.
I would definitely not ignore something like this. Glad to hear you pushed to get this properly diagnosed. you are wise to ensure this is addressed. You are proving that assertive patients receive higher quality care. Passive patients do not.
It’s through posts from yourself and other members I’ve got the courage to question what doctors say. If I’d taken notice of the haematologist saying it was a cyst I’d have just left it!
I have been on Hydroxyurea since 2018 for ET/Jak2+ and have recently been diagnosed with actinic keratosis (pre cancerous) on my scalp. My dermatologist recommends I see him every 6 months to check my skin. That medication makes us photosensitive and we must be extra careful in the sun. I have lived in California the last four years where the sun shines almost 365 days a year.
I live in the north of England, we’re not exactly known for hot weather in this area! However my garden does face south and is quite a sun trap, so I always cover up or sit under an umbrella when outside. I think the drugs have a lot to do with it.
That looks like a basal cell carcinoma but I am no expert. You certainly need to see someone who is expert in skin cancer detection so a dermatologist is the best option.Usually a BCC is the least problematic skin cancer but it's still best to get it checked and removed asap.
You’ve definitely done the right thing pushing for further investigation. My husband has had various lumps cut out, 2 cancerous, the others weren’t, he’s not had any further treatment & so far all ok. (It’s me with the MPN issues). Hopefully it will be ‘just one of those things’. Sending best wishes to you, I know it’s easy to say, but try not to worry too much.
Just watched the video - very informative! The picture of the squamous cell cancer looks like the growth on my arm, hopefully I’ll get it sorted asap. It does say your haematology team will check it out - my local doctor dismissed it as a cyst!
Whatever it is, I'm sure you shouldn't panic over it, especially at this time of year. If your haem doesn't think it's blood-related, it may be a BCC, and they are not fast growing or dangerous - they just need to be taken off your skin at some point next year. Even if it's a cyst, it should probably be treated. You just need to see a skin specialist. Try to forget it for a little while, and have a festive and happy Christmas!
This looks just like the growth I had on my arm a few years ago. It grew very quickly. I called the dermatologist and told them it looked like a little volcano. Anyway, it was excised and never came back. They did see me quickly when I called. I looked through my notes but could not find the actual diagnosis.
You have received a lot of good advice. I would have it removed if it were me. I have had Bcc's, Ak's, and SK's, all removed, none returned The Sk's grew the fastest. You will be fine, Best to you.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Yet another one!
Another update….high platelets….
Just another update
