We have been waiting for an apt. At the hospital expecting it within 2 weeks but on chasing the apt. Found it had been put forward as routine and is scheduled for 6 weeks. Should we wait for that or get a second opinion.
When the visiting dermatologist saw my daughter she told her it was likely to need a biopsy and radiation therapy. So we don’t really feel this should be a routine apt?
Any advice would be gratefully received, we are thinking of getting a second opinion privately.
Hi again. I've just seen your posts about this also on the vasculitis forum.
Does your daughter have an underlying systemic condition that might predispose to skin cancer or is she on immuno-suppressive medicines? It would be unusual for a 44 yr old to have multiple sites of skin cancer otherwise. Also a little unusual to treat a 44yr old with radiotherapy for a BCC. Was the "visiting" dermatologist seen in a GP practice in the UK? Is it the same person (or team) to whom she has now been referred in hospital?
Some units will see presumed BCC's within 6 weeks rather than 2 because, as I have said, they grow very slowly are do not usually behave in a malignant fashion (unlike an SCC or melanoma which can). I'm beginning to wonder if there is something more complicated going on which would impact on the advice. "Going private" would get her seen faster but if she really has three separate lesions to treat and there is a possibility of radiotherapy and surgery, the cost could be significant. Id suggest speaking with her GP who will know what the visiting dermatologist actually thought and also have the whole picture and ask if a six week wait is any reason to be concerned. If so they can request that the NHS appointment is expedited.
Thanks Again, yes I did post on vasculitis, by mistake when trying to find the right platform.
I agree with all you have said, we are awaiting a call from the doctors surgery to see what was reported by the visiting dermatologist, I have since looked at the cancer.org site and that said it is likely to be basal cell if it has been put through as routine.
She has been given an apt. For July 11th, nut I personally feel a second opinion would put our minds at rest.
Like you I think that because she has a few different lesions on her body it needs an expert eye by a recognised cancer clinic and as you say because of her age.
We will make a decision on Monday, my daughter is coming to terms with the initial diagnosis so we will try and move things forward to see what needs to be treated. Thank you again
Kind regards
Ann x
Sorry yes it was in the UK and my daughter has been referred to the same hospital as the visiting dermatologist,,
Hello Annsandra13 - It took a long while to diagnose skin cancer with a mole which was not over large and looked like a flat mole. Eventually I had a photo scan through the local unit, and was transferred immediately for a biopsy. It was a melanoma. If you could ask your doctor for a photo scan to be sent to your hospital if you have not already had one, it might make a difference if you need urgent attention. I had my melanoma removed two yeas ago, and have had preventative treatment. It is very difficult to know if there are other factors other than the sun which can encourage the growth of skin cancer, but have done some research and have found supporting the immune system may help. I do hope your daughter is referred earlier if she has not had a scan. I was transferred to the oncology department. My husband had skin cancer and had an op. We still have to watch the sun, and have to cover up mostly. Everyone is different - but if swimming I have a costume with leggings and top with long sleeves, which looks like a wet suit. Wearing tee shirts over your costume might help. Hope all goes well.
Hi Hawii60,
Thank you for your lovely and helpful reply, it gives us insight to what we should do, after a lot of messing about with one doctor not taking things as seriously as she should, then a cancellation, we have finally got a referral to a cancer skin clinic in the next 2 weeks thankfully.
I agree with all your points on protecting ourselves from the sun, I too have had a Basel cell carcinoma on my face and had the mohans procedure in New Zealand 15 years ago. I have had no problems since but certainly don’t sit out in the sun.
My daughter has always loved sitting in the sun despite my warnings but is now fully aware she can’t do this.
She too believes in building up her immune system.
I do hope all is well with you and your husband.
Thank you again for such a kind and helpful message.
Kindest regards
Ann
So pleased your daughter is getting that appointment a bit sooner. I have insight into how you are prioritised - and if you are older you might be delayed.
We are fine just monitoring our spots and using hats and sunglasses and uvistat as a sun block where a little goes a long way - and you have to rub it in or it sits like a face mask giving rise to odd looks in supermarkets! Ha!
Thanks again, yes its sunglasses, hats
,uv protection and shade. It is always such a shock on first diagnosis, she is coming to terms that she may need surgery .
Keep safe and well.
Ann x
Thank you for those supportive comments - they mean a lot. It will be a relief when your daughter has treatment. Hope all goes well and do give feedback when you have time and energy to reply. Annex
Yes I will, just heard her apt. has been confirmed on the 21st June and coincidentally with the doctor we wanted. Wishing you the best!
Kind regards
Ann
Hope the appointment went ok. Went for a check today. Have to have another one out for preventive care. Not worried about it now as being in the Health system.
I’m due to go to clatterbridge on Thursday for a suspected SCC. Do they cut it out on your first visit or will I just get a biopsy? How did your daughter get on? I’m shocked as I thought skin cancer was a dark or bleeding mole. This is a wart like growth on my shoulder.
