Skin Lesion: Hi there I’ve had a skin lesion... - Pain Concern

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Skin Lesion

Evanslil profile image
25 Replies

Hi there

I’ve had a skin lesion since Xmas. I tried all sorts of creams and even antibiotics and nothing has shifted it. It does feel a bit tender but my main concern is that it itches.

Long story short; saw my GP who in end referred me two Wk wait. I had photos done and then called in for biopsy as they couldn’t tell much from the photos. I’ve wait 2 weeks now and Altho they said 4-6 weeks I’m nervous as anything 😔 has anyone else has a similar wait for this?

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Evanslil profile image
Evanslil
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25 Replies
deejames profile image
deejames

All you can do is wait. You have had your biopsy which is good. The wait time is long if you are anxious I know. Try not to scratch it and don't put anything on it that is not prescribed. Hope it works out well.

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil in reply to deejames

thanks Dee. Hope it does too 🙏🏻

MissisF profile image
MissisF

Hi I had a lesion on my face removed end January. It then took 7 weeks the results which I had yesterday via a phone call from the consultant to tell me it was an actinic keratosis ie sun damage. Please try not to worry, the likelihood is it is very treatable. That said, I was mightily relieved yesterday. And yes apparently 6 weeks is not unusual for skin lesion analysis. My husband and a number of friends have had basal cell carcinoma & are fine a number of years after treatment. Good Luck!

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil in reply to MissisF

ah thank you. That is so reassuring. I know I should be thankful the biopsy was done quick. I hope ur ok. Was it benign?

I think I am getting carried away with dark thoughts; as my neck has aches a while and it feels tender. I must try to control them and stay positive 🙏🏻

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil in reply to MissisF

sorry I forgot to add. They only took a sample of lesion so I think I’m worrying cos it’s still there 😔

MissisF profile image
MissisF

The lesion requires no further action. My face itched all over until I got the results! It’s amazing what the brain does to help us worry 🤦‍♀️. I’m sure it’ll be fine. X

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil in reply to MissisF

I’m so pleased for u. I know it certainly does 🙈 x

Batty1 profile image
Batty1

What does the doctor think you have, psoriasis?

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil

No I was told either an infected cyst or basal carcinoma; but nothing has cleared it so I guess it can’t be a cyst. Had it since Xmas. It’s just a single lesion

SouthernSally profile image
SouthernSally

I went to the doctor to look at 2 spots. One was scabby and the other a rash. The scab was nothing and the rash was basal cell. I had an in office excision (removal.) It was on my neck and it was summer. I had to keep it covered for a few weeks which was annoying due to perspiration. I returned twice for six month follow ups, then yearly screenings and have been clear since. I am very fair and the doctor was surprised I hadn’t had it previously. Try not to worry. Basal cell is common and very treatable.

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil in reply to SouthernSally

thanks Sally. I know. It’s just hard. If they had removed the whole lesion I probably wouldn’t b as worried but they only took a sample tissue. Either way will have to have it removed as it’s uncomfortable at times with itching.

That must have been horrible for you having to keep it covered for so long. I’m glad u recovered though and all ok. It certainly makes u think twice about the sun doesn’t it. Even if I’m ok. I know I will b extra careful now. X

SouthernSally profile image
SouthernSally

Well, they do the biopsy first to be sure. You wouldn't want a larger portion of skin removed if it turned out to be nothing. Again, try not to worry. On my medical forms I often forget to include basal cell in my history because it's basically not a problem unless you leave it untreated.

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil in reply to SouthernSally

thanks Sally. It really does help to hear other people’s views and experience. Whatever it is; if needs treatment least I’m already In the process! Thanks again x

Nick2U profile image
Nick2U

Hi…

I just had a Basal Cell Carcinoma removed via MOHS surgery a couple of weeks ago—where they remove the cancer and as little surrounding skin as possible since it was on my face.

About 9 months ago I noticed the spot where a mole used to be but accidentally shaved it off a couple of decades ago was bleeding and taking forever to heal so I knew something was up. My doctor took a photo in November and sent it to the dermatologist who told the doctor to take a biopsy. The biopsy was in December and results were back within a week. They told me it was one of the slow growing, less dangerous cancers so I was not high up on their list but when they called with an opening I took it. So a couple of weeks ago the surgeon removed a kidney bean sized blob and stitched my face up with only local anesthesia in less than twenty minutes. I was prepared to spend the afternoon as they removed more and more layers until the cancer was completely removed but fortunately it only took one pass to successfully remove it. Remarkably, I was able to shave right over the very small scar within a week and today there is no more lump from swelling. It healed very nicely and all I have is a slight pink line that I put zinc oxide on to prevent any more sun damage. Best wishes!

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil in reply to Nick2U

hi Nick so relieved to hear u are well and everything happened so quickly for u. Even so it doesn’t sound very nice what u had to have done. Ur so brave. I even winced just having the anaesthetic for biopsy 🙈 I just want the results so I at least know what it is. Seeing it there every day just constant reminder. I know it’s only been 2 weeks but the thought of another 4 just stresses me out 😔 do u use the zinc every day or just when the sun comes out?

Nick2U profile image
Nick2U in reply to Evanslil

I just started using the zinc oxide, but have been wearing a face mask to cover it up. I’m one of the few left still wearing them theses days the little pokes from the anesthesia was the worst of it—like tiny bees with teeny stings that, fortunately, we’re so brief My face was completely numb and even the stitches didn’t hurt. I could feel the surgeon tugging at my cheek as it was being sewn up and joked with her and the nurse the whole time.

Tourk profile image
Tourk

By the sound of it you've done everything right, I know, the not knowing, waiting is hard but even if its the worst, these things if court early are easily treated. My mother had something similar 18 years ago. A result of years of sailing. All they did was remove a very thin layer of skin. Painless and she's been fine since.

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil in reply to Tourk

thank you for the reassurance tourk. I know. I think as time goes on I just want to get on with it and get it sorted whatever it is. I guess all I keep thinking is if it’s something that can spread, being left another 6 weeks 🙈 but I’m hoping that if was really sinister that they would contact me before then 🤞🏻

Tourk profile image
Tourk in reply to Evanslil

It's a horrible feeling , but don't forget it could just as easily be nothing. A lot easy to say than to put aside I know, these things play on our minds. Especially when we have other issues. It's not always easy or possible to take ones mind of things by keeping busy. Best advice I can give you is plan something special for yourself, catch up with friends go to a forest and just sit there listen to it growing around you. Always a great way to lift one's spirits

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil in reply to Tourk

thank you. You are right too about it feeling more intense when having other issues on the mind. May even try some meditation 🧘‍♀️

Tourk profile image
Tourk in reply to Evanslil

Making a stew with peal barley is very effective at Calming the nerves. I found it when I was going through a terribly stressful time, peal barley was used by roman gladiators to calm their nevers before entering the arena. I figured if it worked for them it would help me. I found it very effective.

Bidgie profile image
Bidgie

I had a small red lesion on R side of lower neck. I was sent for quickly after I saw the skin consultant and had it removed. It was a plastic surgeon (on the NHS!) and he put dissolvable stitches, so I didn't have to go back. No pain with local anaesthetic .it was a bit itchy and red for 2 mths, but they told me to put on a little vaseline, which helps. The result came back after 6 wks- a basal cell skin cancer completely removed and very unlikely to recur, so no follow up needed! It has left a slight scar but hope that gets less with time.These things happen as we get older, but liveable with. iIam sure everything will be fine.Just chill out and arrive 30 mins before surgery and read a paper, so not to think too much about it. Good Luck

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil in reply to Bidgie

Hi Bidgie

Thankyou for your comments. I’ve had this lesion since Xmas. All they have done is take a biopsy. I don’t think I would b worrying as much if they just completely removed it and sent it off but it still there. The longer the results take I’m just thinking the worse it will get! It’s been nearly 3 weeks now and heard nothing. I’m not sure whether my GP is able to chase results. It is still itchy but not as much since the biopsy. A dermatologist at work told me it either looked like an infected cyst which I don’t think it is cos something would have cleared it. I’ve had antibiotics the lot! OR Basal Cell. I do think it’s the latter given the time etc. but I’m scared that it’s been 3 months of having it and that it’s just being left untreated 😔

Bidgie profile image
Bidgie

Don't worry. I had mine nearly 2 yrs before I went to my GP for referral. Basal cell is the least aggressive of skin cancer and doesn't usually invade internally. If it is not getting large or turning into an ulcer larger than 3cm. I would not worry. Mine was 6mm. I think the problem is all the bureaucy and waiting lists for NHS staff to do things! Live for the day!

Evanslil profile image
Evanslil in reply to Bidgie

Ah thanks Bidgie that’s rly positive advice. Ur right and no it hasn’t gone into either of those so I’m feeling more positive now. Ur spit on with the bureaucy of it all. Waiting times etc. I mean 6!weeks is a long time to wait when one is worrying. Oh well only another 3 to go! 🙈

Thanks again x

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