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Basal Cell Carcinoma

Somo
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My mother is 88 she has dementia and is in a care home, I saw lumps of dry skin  on her scalp and I asked staff if she had had a fall on her skin months ago asked if she'd had a fall they said no and that they were applying lotion every day. I visit her every week and always gently rub my fingers through her hair, I thought it was strange that they were not healing but today when Ifelt her scalp it was worse so I went and ask ooned senior if they were still applying lotion and she said she has cancer. It nearly knocked me off my feet then they looked at her notes and said she has Basal Cell Carcinoma, thankfully another member of staff came over and said her dad had had it they removed it ,it came bak and they removed it again but he is fine now.  I will tell the care home to keep me informed I would like to be with her for any treatment she has. I have no idea about this cancer and I would like to know more , hopefully to put my mind at rest I would appreciate your knowledge on this type of cancer, i am praying it doesnot spread  thanking you in anticipatio

Mo

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    Hi Somo

    Your mother has a common very slow growing type of skin cancer, which is unlikely to spread. Given she is elderly and with dementia, it could be very distressing for her to have surgery to remove the lesion. If it is not causing her discomfort or other problems the healthcare team may decide to just continue as is with the application of lotion.

    Ed

  • Hello Mo, and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry to hear about your concerns for your mum and her Basal Cell Cancer diagnosis.

    As your fellow forum user has said this type of skin cancer does not spread like other forms and can be treated with creams.

    It is also very common, particularly in your mum's age group, and hopefully, won't cause your mum many problems compared to what she is dealing with her dementia diagnosis.

    Take care Mo, and if you want to talk through things with one of the nurses on our helpline the number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Kind Regards,
    Sarah 

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