Skin Cancer Questions

Hi all. On Monday I took my dad (73) to have a hard pink lump on his leg looked at at the dermatology department in his local hospital. It popped up a few weeks ago and his GP referred. While we were there I mentioned that he has something similar on his neck. The doctor confirmed that the one on his neck is a basal cell carcinoma. She was more concerned about his leg, especially because of the rate of growth and it's 'pink' presentation. She confirmed it was skin cancer but said they would have to remove and biopsy before we could confirm what type. She was concerned it was possibly Merkel but she said melanoma was a worry (I think, it was hard to take it all in). They've had him back in today to do a full body check and found another one on his leg near his ankle. Does the presence of 3 mean he has a spreading cancer? How likely is it that they are just three independent cancers? Thank you. Trying to work out how concerned I need to be. He is very very chilled. 

 

  • Hello there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear your dad is undergoing some tests at the moment and appreciate this must be a worry for you.

    It is possible to have 3 different and unrelated skin cancers at the same time but I can't say if this is what is going on with your dad.

    I understand that all the waiting and not knowing can be unnerving but until all the test results are in no one can tell you anymore.

    Hang in there, hopefully you will find out more soon about what is going on and what needs to happen next. Do ask the doctors and nurses involved in your dad's care any questions you have when you next see them.

    Do get back in touch if you have further questions or you can call the nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040, Monday-Friday 9-5.

    All the best

    Naomi