Hello and thank you for posting.

It sounds like your mum has been through a tough time, and, understandably, you’re feeling unsure about the next steps.

Skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are quite common in older adults, especially after a lifetime of sun exposure. These cancers are usually slow-growing and rarely life-threatening, particularly BCC. SCC can be more aggressive, but even then, it often progresses locally rather than spreading widely.

A biopsy is the only way to confirm what type of lesion it is. The procedure itself is usually quick and done under local anaesthetic. Patients may feel a sting with the local anaesthetic and there may be some discomfort when the biopsy is taken.

Whether treatment is needed depends on several factors: the type of cancer, its size and location, and most importantly, your mum’s overall health and wishes. For many elderly patients with other health problems, doctors often consider less invasive options or even monitoring rather than treatment.

If the lesions are causing pain, bleeding, or risk of infection, treatment might still be worthwhile. But if they’re not causing any problems and your mum’s health is fragile, it’s worth discussing with the dermatologist whether a biopsy will change the management plan. It might also be helpful to ask: what will happen if a biopsy isn't done, and if it is cancer, what are the treatment options.

Please don’t feel guilty about not getting this checked sooner. It sounds like your mum has had a very challenging year, with the priority being her recovery and wellbeing. These skin cancers often grow slowly, so a delay of months is unlikely to have made a big difference.

I hope this helps in some way, please feel free to get back to us. If you would like to talk things through with one of the nurses on the helpline, we are available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

Jemma