Basel Cell Carcinoma

[bradfordjoanna]

hi

I have RA for8 years now - fairly well controlled with Methotrexate.

I had an infiltrive Basal Cell Carcinoma removed last SeptembeR.

On a check up on Friday it seems I have several others emerging.( On the NHS as I had reached the consultation date from initial referral. )

sadlythe NHS queues are horrible I went private for the last one to be removed as the wait was over 6 months and the BCC has grown quickly!

I wondered if it is more common for those of us taking Methotrexate? I have seen some research report ( from US and Sweden ) that suggests it might be.

Any information/ views out there?

Many thanks

[Nana246]

I have been on methotrexate for over 12 months. I get my skin checked every 6 months because I have a history of squamous cell carcinoma. So far I haven’t had any skin issues on methotrexate but will certainly keep my checks up to date. Good luck with yours😊

[bradfordjoanna in reply to Nana246]

many thanks for reply

Everything crossed

[bevlin]

I’ve had the same problem, apparently if you are taking methotrexate you should keep out of the sun and keep covered up. Nobody had mentioned this fact when I started taking the drug over twenty years ago, the dermatologist mentioned it in passing! As with any other chemo drug you shouldn’t sunbathe at all. I now use prescription sun block on my face and hands all year round and wear thin cotton cover ups during the summer and stay in the shade as much as I can . Also my skin gets irritated if I’m in the sun these days, I was a sun worshipper but can’t be in it for longer than twenty mins these days before I head for the shade!

[bradfordjoanna in reply to bevlin]

thanks for the reply

It does seem there is a link but the dermatologists I’ve seen didn’t think relevant although it clearly is

Good luck with the shady spots!

[BoneyC]

Not sure about BCC, but I've recently had biopsies and been dx with Bowen's Disease after 53 years of RA and over 40 years on MTX. As others have said, I was never told to keep out of the sun on MTX back in the 80's.

[bradfordjoanna in reply to BoneyC]

thanks for your reply

Actually I cannot remember being told about the sun 7 years ago

[Deeb1764]

I have had last year basal cell carcinoma and yes fair skinned etc but I was told as I had RA my chances for cancer were higher by the dermatologist. So worth reading up on here I think NRAS have something or well Researched sites.

I need more checks but my after 4month check seems to have been forgotten so need to chase this as well.

[bradfordjoanna in reply to Deeb1764]

thank you for your reply

I shall read up on it

Thanks

[oldtimer2]

There is an interesting article in the Canadian newsletter for people with arthritis saying: Methotrexate is often listed as causing sun sensitivity. However, methotrexate is not, in fact, a sun sensitizing drug, but rather produces a reaction called radiation recall. Areas where patients have had sunburns in the past may react again after starting methotrexate.

The article also points outs out the reactions you can get in the sun with NSAIDs and other DMARDs like sulphasalazine. It's a very long link so I won't post it here, but you can look it up easily on Google.

[bradfordjoanna in reply to oldtimer2]

thank you

I shall be very interested to read this ( I will look it up)

As a 1950s child I guess I did get burnt even on our English beach holidays!

My latest Basal cell carcinomas are on my eyelid and back of the neck. I am anxious to avoid more but as I don’t sunbathe at all I am at a bit of a loss.

Hopefully answers will emerge and this may be part of the answer

Thank you again

[Deeb1764 in reply to bradfordjoanna]

also call NRAS as they are a font of knowledge and might be able to assist too 🥰

[bradfordjoanna]

thanks. Good idea

[Downtime]

I have a history of basal cell and squamous skin cancers even before RA . Unfortunately in 2019 I had a melanoma which the Rheumy said was probably caused by the biologics I’d been on. It’s been fine so far and I have 3 monthly checks and yearly scans but I now can’t take biologics only Mxt at a fairly low dose. I think if you are predisposed to skin cancers all immune suppressants can make them more likely. Just be vigilant and always get something checked if you’re worried.